NEW YORK — The roar of Arthur Ashe Stadium is a familiar sound for Aryna Sabalenka, but the first step in defending a Grand Slam title is a unique challenge. On a humid Tuesday night, the world No. 2 navigated that pressure with characteristic power, dispatching Spain's Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-3 in a commanding first-round performance at the 2024 US Open.
The match, which lasted just one hour and 13 minutes, was a statement of intent from the reigning Australian Open champion. Sabalenka’s serve was a formidable weapon, firing 10 aces and winning 84% of points behind her first serve. More importantly, she showcased the aggressive, first-strike tennis that has defined her rise to the top of the sport, striking 22 winners to just 14 unforced errors.
Watching intently from the player's box was a new, yet familiar, face: former doubles world No. 1 and fellow Belarusian, Max Mirnyi. His presence as an assistant coach, confirmed just days before the tournament, adds a new layer of experience to Team Sabalenka as she embarks on her quest to retain the title she won so emphatically last year.
A Dominant Start on the Grand Stage
From the first ball, Sabalenka looked focused and in control. She broke Masarova’s serve in the opening game, immediately seizing the initiative and quieting any whispers of a potential opening-night stumble. Her groundstrokes, particularly her punishing forehand, were dialed in, pushing the 23-year-old Spaniard deep behind the baseline.
Masarova, currently ranked 84th in the world, struggled to find any rhythm against the Sabalenka onslaught. The first set was a clinic in power and precision, wrapped up in just 26 minutes. Sabalenka later reflected on her mindset, stating, "I'm super happy with the performance today. I think I played great tennis. I was focused from the beginning to the end."
The Mirnyi Factor: A Strategic Addition
The most significant development surrounding Sabalenka’s campaign is the addition of "The Beast," Max Mirnyi, to her coaching team. A six-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and a former top-50 singles player, Mirnyi brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly on the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka explained the decision, highlighting his veteran presence: "He's a great person. He's a great player. He has so much experience. He won so many doubles titles, mixed doubles titles. I think it's great to have someone like him in my team... He's not going to travel full time, but he's going to help us, help my team, to, you know, to be there, to share his experience."
This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to provide an extra edge in high-pressure moments. Mirnyi’s expertise could prove invaluable in several key areas:
- Net Play: Enhancing Sabalenka’s already-improved volleying and transition game.
- Grand Slam Pedigree: Offering tactical advice drawn from decades of success at the highest level.
- Scouting: Providing unique insights on potential opponents throughout the draw.
Managing Expectations and Emotions
Returning as defending champion brings a different kind of pressure. Every opponent is inspired to play their best tennis, and the spotlight intensifies. Sabalenka acknowledged this reality, emphasizing the importance of staying present and not getting ahead of herself.
"It's a little bit different, you know," she admitted. "There is a little bit more pressure. But I'm trying to do everything I can to separate myself from that and just focus on my game to make sure I bring my best tennis every time I step on the court."
This mental fortitude was on display against Masarova. After racing through the first set, she faced a brief challenge in the second. Masarova secured an early break to lead 2-0, threatening to force a more competitive battle. But Sabalenka responded immediately, breaking back at love and then reeling off five of the next six games to close out the match.
Looking Ahead in the Draw
With the first hurdle cleared, Sabalenka will face British qualifier Yuriko Lily Miyazaki in the second round. On paper, it presents another opportunity for the second seed to fine-tune her game and build momentum. The real tests are likely to come later in the second week, with potential clashes against the likes of Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, or world No. 1 Iga Świątek.
Sabalenka’s victory, coupled with the strategic addition of Mirnyi, sends a clear message to the rest of the field: the champion is here, she is focused, and she is adapting. Her powerful baseline game is a known quantity, but it’s the continuous evolution of her mental approach and team structure that makes her such a formidable opponent.
A Statement of Intent
In the unpredictable world of women's tennis, a straightforward, dominant victory in the first round of a major is never something to take for granted. For Sabalenka, this was more than just a win; it was a declaration. It was a demonstration that she has processed the unique pressures of being a defending champion and channeled them into her performance.
The road to back-to-back titles in New York is long and fraught with challenges. However, with her explosive game firing on all cylinders and a new, wise voice in her corner, Aryna Sabalenka has laid down a formidable marker. As she succinctly put it after the match, "It's good to start with a win. I'm happy with the level I played."
For her rivals, that happiness is a ominous sign. When Sabalenka is hitting her targets and playing with such confident aggression, she remains one of the most difficult players to beat on tour. The defence of her crown is officially underway, and the rhythm she found under the New York lights suggests she has no intention of relinquishing it without a serious fight.