Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 tennis player, is preparing to defend her US Open title amid significant challenges in maintaining both her championship status and top ranking. The Belarusian secured her second consecutive US Open victory in 2025, overcoming Amanda Anisimova at Arthur Ashe Stadium after a season in which she was widely regarded as the best player but fell short in two Grand Slam finals—the Australian Open and French Open.
As the 2026 US Open approaches, Sabalenka faces renewed pressure to claim a third straight title at Flushing Meadows to preserve her No. 1 ranking. Her closest competitor, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, will automatically ascend to the top spot if she reaches the semifinals. Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, underscoring the stiff competition. Other strong contenders include American players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, both capable of upsetting the defending champion and both vying for the world No. 1 position.
Sabalenka’s 2026 season has presented obstacles not seen in her previous campaigns. Following a promising start, highlighted by a rare Sunshine Double—winning both Indian Wells and the Miami Open—her form declined drastically. A notable loss in the Madrid quarterfinals to Hailey Baptiste ended a 15-match winning streak and preceded several disappointing performances. At the French Open, despite leading in her quarterfinal match against Diana Shnaider, Sabalenka lost in three sets. She was also eliminated earlier than expected at Wimbledon, falling to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round, marking her earliest Grand Slam exit since 2022.
Observers note Sabalenka's aggressive playing style, featuring powerful serves and baseline shots, can overwhelm opponents when she is in peak form. However, when things go awry, she has struggled to adapt mid-match, often persisting with an aggressive approach that leads to an increase in unforced errors. Since April, her record against top-40 ranked players stands at six wins and seven losses, indicating growing vulnerability.
No specific injuries, coaching changes, or personal challenges have been publicly disclosed to explain the downturn in Sabalenka’s performance. However, the physical and mental demands of the tour appear to have taken a toll. To address this, she has re-engaged a sports psychologist whom she previously worked with until 2022. Additionally, she continues to collaborate with Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics expert who helped rework her serve and contributed to her first major victory at the 2023 Australian Open.
Some analysts suggest that efforts to maintain emotional composure on court may have diminished the aggressive "tiger power" that defines Sabalenka’s style, though she has denied this as a factor. Nevertheless, visible frustration during recent matches, including a loss to Sara Bejlek in Cincinnati, has raised questions about her current mental state.
Sabalenka, 28, has been ranked No. 1 for 96 consecutive weeks in the past and enjoys strong commercial endorsements, including partnerships with Gucci, Audemars Piguet, Nike, and a custom Wilson racquet line. Nonetheless, competing without recent Grand Slam success puts additional pressure on her standing and performance.
The US Open’s vibrant atmosphere and passionate crowds may provide Sabalenka with the environment she thrives in, especially during nighttime matches under the New York lights. Known for her engaging personality and fan interactions, she often draws significant support, barring matches against American players.
While Sabalenka’s recent form presents challenges, her talent remains undisputed. Experts anticipate that with adjustments to her mental approach and game strategy, she could recapture her peak performance and contend for further Grand Slam titles, possibly delivering a dramatic showdown in New York once again.