Try GOLD - Free
Defending champs chase rare repeats in New York
The Straits Times
|August 25, 2025
Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are chasing rare repeat US Open triumphs as the final Grand Slam of the season got under way in New York on Aug 24.
-
NEW YORK -
Women's world No. 1 Sabalenka opened the defence of her 2024 crown on the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre's Arthur Ashe Stadium showcourt against unseeded Swiss player Rebeka Masarova in one of the highlights of the opening day of the singles, which was being held on a Sunday for the first time in the Open era.
Italy's world No. 1 Sinner, meanwhile, begins his bid for back-to-back titles on Aug 26, when the 24-year-old takes on unseeded Czech Vit Kopriva.
Both Sabalenka and Sinner are attempting to become the first players to successfully defend their titles for more than a decade.
No woman has repeated at the US Open since Serena Williams won the last of a hat-trick of titles in 2014, following wins in 2013 and 2012.
This story is from the August 25, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
To win the Al adoption race, Singapore must mind the social class and gender gaps
Success will depend on making the technology relevant and accessible to lower-income workers and women.
5 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Who loves turbulence, airline food and the middle seat? They do
Passengers do not need much of a reminder that the golden age of commercial aviation is well behind them.
4 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
YOUNG STARS EARN STRIPES
After cruising to win, MVP Edwards lauds All-Star Game round-robin format
3 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
PM Wong visits workers at SMRT depot ahead of CNY
For the past 14 years, chief bus captain Sng Eng Tiong has volunteered to work on the eve, first and second days of Chinese New Year.
2 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Prof beats travel rush to return home for CNY, expats join in festivities
For the average Singaporean, the reunion dinner may be just a short commute away.
3 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Fear and loathing in Malaysia: Waning trust fans conspiracy theories
Cases of elite impunity have rocked the nation and eroded trust in institutions.
6 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
FairPrice • Lower minimum spend for voucher scheme
I commend FairPrice for its initiative to help shoppers stretch their dollar (FairPrice shoppers to get $8 voucher for every $100 spent from Feb 5 to 16, Feb 5).
1 min
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Firms, HR professionals support Budget 2026's push for strong Singaporean core in workforce
The trick is in managing transition risks, cost pressures from manpower adjustments
5 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Malaysian protesters call for arrest of anti-graft chief
Hundreds of black-clad Malaysians gathered in the capital on Feb 15 calling for the arrest of anti-graft chief Azam Baki after reports alleged that he had improper shareholdings and that abuse of power took place in the commission he leads.
2 mins
February 17, 2026
The Straits Times
Kim Jong Un unveils housing for families of troops killed in Ukraine war
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the completion ceremony of a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of troops who have died in overseas military operations, said state media KCNA on Feb 16.
1 min
February 17, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size