A Warning From a Former Pro
Aryna Sabalenka arrives at the US Open in arguably the shakiest form of her time as world No. 1. After a brilliant start to the season, which included winning both Indian Wells and Miami and reaching the Australian Open final, the Belarusian has stumbled badly. She has fallen before the quarterfinal stage at three consecutive tournaments: Wimbledon, the Canadian Open, and the Cincinnati Open.
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta, speaking to TNT Sports, did not hold back when asked for her assessment. Konta argued that Sabalenka's in-match lapses have always been there, but her opponents previously lacked the belief to capitalize. Now, that psychological edge has shifted. According to Konta, players across the draw "believe a bit more" when those wobbles appear, meaning Sabalenka can no longer rely on her dominant image to carry her through tight moments the way she once did.
Stakes Could Not Be Higher
The pressure at Flushing Meadows is enormous for Sabalenka. She is defending all 2,000 ranking points from her 2024 US Open title, and she won the tournament again in 2025, making this a back-to-back title defense. Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff are all within striking distance of the top ranking spot, meaning anything short of a deep run could cost her the No. 1 position entirely.
Konta was direct in her conclusion: she does not see Sabalenka lifting the trophy this time around. That said, Sabalenka has historically elevated her game at this particular venue, which gives her supporters reason for cautious optimism. TennisDraw users picking a potential upset over Sabalenka in the early rounds may find themselves rewarded this fortnight.
