Aryna Sabalenka returns to the US Open as the defending champion, facing the challenge of not only retaining her title but also holding onto her world No. 1 ranking. Last year, Sabalenka secured her victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium by defeating Amanda Anisimova in a two-set match that concluded with a tiebreak. Now, she must find her "tiger power" to navigate the demanding Flushing Meadows tournament and fend off close rivals.
The path to securing her grip on the top spot is fraught with challenges. Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka's closest competitor in the rankings, remains a significant threat. While Rybakina defeated Sabalenka at the Australian Open earlier this year, other formidable opponents include American hopefuls Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, both of whom have previously bested Sabalenka in Grand Slam finals, including the 2022 US Open.
Sabalenka's season has seen a notable shift. Following an early-year surge that included winning the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open, her form appeared to falter. A loss in the Rome quarterfinals against Hailey Baptiste marked the end of a 15-match winning streak and a remarkable 19 consecutive tiebreak victories. Further setbacks occurred at the French Open, where she lost a quarterfinal match after holding a significant lead, and at Wimbledon, where Naomi Osaka eliminated her in the fourth round.
When performing at her best, Sabalenka's aggressive style and powerful serves overwhelm opponents. However, she has recently struggled to adapt her game mid-match when facing difficulties, leading to an increase in unforced errors. Since April, her record against top-40 ranked players has been inconsistent, with more losses than wins against this group.
These performance fluctuations have prompted Sabalenka to seek additional support. She has re-hired the sports psychologist she previously worked with, a move she described as a "shocking reminder" of a necessary approach. This decision comes after a period where she had opted for a biomechanics specialist. Sabalenka, known for her "tiger power" symbolized by a tattoo on her arm and designs on her shoes, has been observed to display visible frustration during matches, raising questions about her on-court composure.
Her status as world No. 1 has afforded her significant off-court opportunities, including high-profile endorsements with brands like Gucci and Audemars Piguet, as well as exclusive Nike apparel and a signature Wilson racquet. She has also been seen wearing substantial jewelry, reportedly valued at over £160,000, on court as part of a deal with New York jeweler Material Good. However, maintaining this level of visibility and endorsements is more challenging at a lower ranking.
The US Open, with its unique atmosphere and celebrity draw, has historically been a stage where players can harness crowd energy. Sabalenka, known for her engaging personality, has previously interacted with fans and is returning to New York as the defending champion. The tournament provides a fitting backdrop for her to potentially regain her peak form and secure another Grand Slam title, solidifying her legacy in 2026.