Aryna Sabalenka displayed her powerful hitting style in her first-round victory against Australian player Priscilla Hon.
Many consider the two-time Australian Open champion as the front-runner for the US Open title this year. Leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year, Sabalenka secured momentum by claiming the Cincinnati Open title over Jessica Pegula in the championship match.
Despite this, some believe that the slower courts at Flushing Meadows favor world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and that she should be seen as the top contender for the US Open crown.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is among those who back Sabalenka as the favorite. She mentioned a key advantage Sabalenka holds over Swiatek in her analysis prior to the tournament.
Sabalenka’s status as a top contender spurred her desire to start the tournament strongly, and she did exactly that in her match against Hon, who put up a commendable fight against the world No. 2.
The contrast in shot power between the two players was evident from the beginning. While Hon relied on consistency and steady play, her shots lacked the force to trouble Sabalenka consistently.
To Hon’s credit, she managed to withstand Sabalenka’s pressure for significant stretches of the match. There were instances when the Australian player turned the tables on Sabalenka, hitting winners by redirecting her opponent’s pace.
Throughout most of the match, Sabalenka impressed with her dominant play. Her forehand was particularly effective, as she frequently moved around her backhand to unleash powerful inside-out shots.
Sabalenka took control early and late in the first set by breaking Hon in the opening and closing games. Despite Hon’s resilient play in between, Sabalenka clinched the set 6-3.
Hon managed to break Sabalenka’s serve in the fifth game of the second set, marking her only break in the match. It was a deserved reward for her effort throughout the contest.
Undeterred, the Australian Open champion swiftly broke back in the following game to take a 4-2 lead. Hon later held off multiple break points in her service game, showcasing her fighting spirit.
Sabalenka comfortably closed out the match to secure a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Despite the late finish due to being the second match of the night session, Sabalenka graciously signed autographs for fans, displaying her sportsmanship.
As the tournament progresses, the world No. 2 is expected to raise her level of play. Nevertheless, her strong performance in the opening match of the US Open serves as a warning to her title contenders of her sharp form.
