Aryna Sabalenka starts defense of U.S. Open title with solid victory

(Photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)The first round of a major can be tricky for the world's No. 1 player and defending champion. Especially when it's the last major of the year in New York.But Aryna Sabalenka made the proceedings look very routine in a 7-5, 6-1 win over Switzerland's Rebeka Masarova in her first match at the U.S. Open.Since winning the U.S. Open 50 weeks ago, Sabalenka has

Aryna Sabalenka starts defense of U.S. Open title with solid victory

(Photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)

The first round of a major can be tricky for the world's No. 1 player and defending champion. Especially when it's the last major of the year in New York.

But Aryna Sabalenka made the proceedings look very routine in a 7-5, 6-1 win over Switzerland's Rebeka Masarova in her first match at the U.S. Open.

Since winning the U.S. Open 50 weeks ago, Sabalenka has