Image source: Instagram/@arynasabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka is back in New York, more determined than ever to seize the U.S. Open title. After narrowly missing out last year, the 26-year-old Belarusian has used a mid-year break to heal and recharge, setting her sights on a breakthrough at the year’s final Grand Slam.
Aryna Sabalenka faced a challenging year. She dealt with a lower back injury, fell ill at the French Open, and missed Wimbledon due to a shoulder issue. She also chose to skip the Paris Olympics to focus on getting ready for the hard-court season.
Now, Aryna Sabalenka feels rejuvenated and mentally sharp. Her time off has allowed her to recover fully, and she’s entered the U.S. Open with a strong sense of confidence. Her recent performance in Cincinnati—where she won every set, including victories over top players like Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula—shows she’s in top form.
The U.S. Open, running from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, is Aryna Sabalenka’s favorite Grand Slam. She’s had success there before, reaching the second week in four of her six appearances. In the last three years, she’s made the semi-finals twice and was a runner-up to Coco Gauff last year.
“I’m playing great tennis,” Aryna Sabalenka said. “It might not be my absolute best yet, but I’m getting closer. With every match, I’m improving. I hope to build on this progress and reach an even higher level at the U.S. Open.”
As the world number two, Sabalenka’s game is perfectly suited for hard courts. She combines a powerful serve with aggressive baseline play and explosive groundstrokes. Her strong, resilient mentality and comfort at the net make her a formidable opponent.
Last year, Sabalenka only lost one set on her way to the final, where she faced off against Gauff. After taking the first set, Gauff raised her game to secure the win in a decisive third set. With Sabalenka’s recent form and determination, she’s poised for another deep run in New York.
