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 dropped two major finals in Melbourne and Paris and lost in the Wimbledon semifinals.

"I learned a lot of tough lessons this season on the Grand Slams," Sabalenka said. "How important it is? Pretty important. I really hope for the best here at the U.S. Open."

Masarova, ranked No. 108, did put up a battle in the first set, splitting the first 10 games. But the Belarussian held her nerve and serve to go up, 6-5, and broke Masarova to

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