Aryna Sabalenka produced some trademark blistering hitting during her opening round win against the Australian Priscilla Hon.
Many believe the two-time Australian Open champion is the favorite for this year's US Open. She gained momentum before the year's final Grand Slam by winning the Cincinnati Open, overcoming Jessica Pegula in the final.
Others think the slower courts at Flushing Meadows compared to the tournament in Cincinnati give world No. 1 Iga Swiatek a great opportunity and that she should be considered the favorite for the US Open.
Martina Navratilova is among those who believe Sabalenka is the favorite. The tennis legend highlighted one key advantage the Belarusian has over Swiatek in comments she made before the US Open.
Sabalenka's status as the favorite among many meant she wanted to make as strong a start as possible, and that is precisely what she did against her Australian opponent, although Hon did not disgrace herself against the world No. 2.
The difference in firepower between the two players was clear from the start of the match. Hon's game is based on solidity and consistency, but the lack of strength behind her shots meant she had to absorb pressure from Sabalenka repeatedly.
To Hon's considerable credit, she managed to do that for extended periods of the match. There were also moments where the 26-year-old turned the tables on Sabalenka and redirected her opponent's pace to hit winners.
However, Sabalenka was impressive throughout most of the match. She dominated proceedings with her forehand, routinely stepping around her backhand to hit inside-out forehands.
Sabalenka did her damage at the start and the end of the opening set by breaking Hon in the first and final games. Although Hon competed well throughout the rest of the set, the Belarusian secured it 6-3.
Hon broke Sabalenka's serve in the fifth game of the second, which was the only time she did so in the match. It was a deserved reward for her hard work throughout the contest.
The Australian Open champion kept her cool, though. She immediately broke back in the next game to go 4-2 up. Hon then had 0-40 in her next service game, but last year's runner-up fought through that game.
Sabalenka comfortably closed the match from there to seal a 6-3, 6-3 win. She signed multiple autographs after the match despite finishing late because it was the second match of the night session, which was a great gesture from her.
The world No. 2 will undoubtedly get better throughout the tournament. But this was still an encouraging start, and her rivals for the title will take note of how sharp she looked in her opening match of the US Open.
0 Comments