Sabalenka Confident Ahead of US Open Title Defense

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one and two-time defending US Open champion, is preparing to launch her bid for a historic third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows, despite facing significant questions about her recent form. The Belarusian player arrives at the tournament having not won a title since her victory at the Miami Open in March, a slump that has included early exits at the French Open, Wimbledon, the Canadian Open, and the Cincinnati Open.

Sabalenka began 2026 in dominant fashion, winning the Brisbane International and reaching the Australian Open final, where she lost to Elena Rybakina. She then completed the Sunshine Double with victories at Indian Wells and Miami. However, her results have dipped since then, with no finals in her subsequent seven tournaments. Her most recent outings saw fourth-round exits in both Toronto and Cincinnati, raising concerns ahead of the New York major.

Despite this, the 28-year-old remains defiantly confident. "Always confident," she told reporters when asked about her mindset. Sabalenka acknowledged the difficult period but framed it as a learning experience. "It wasn't the best period. I don't want to defend myself, but...