Sabalenka's Dominance Under Scrutiny
Aryna Sabalenka arrives at the US Open as the two-time defending champion with a remarkable 19-1 record at Flushing Meadows across the past three years. Yet despite that extraordinary run, analysts are hesitating to tab her as the outright favorite heading into this year's tournament. Her form since the spring has been a real concern. After claiming both the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open during the Sunshine Double in March, Sabalenka lost in the quarterfinals at the French Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon. The struggles have carried into the North American hard-court swing, where she exited both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open in the round of 16.
ESPN commentator and former world No. 4 Mary Joe Fernandez summed it up plainly during a media conference call, saying Sabalenka has "struggled a bit winning the big points" and has dropped leads in multiple events, calling her simply "vulnerable" heading into the major.
Swiatek and Gauff Drawing Analyst Confidence
Iga Swiatek has positioned herself as a genuine title threat after winning the tournament in Toronto and reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati. Patrick McEnroe, a 1989 French Open doubles champion, publicly named Swiatek as his personal pick, citing her more measured and controlled style of play as a strategic strength heading into a major.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff arrives with serious momentum of her own, winning the Cincinnati title and performing solidly in Canada as well. Fernandez called Gauff "the one that's playing the best tennis" right now. Elena Rybakina and Alex Eala also earned mentions, though Rybakina's fitness remains a question after a leg injury forced her retirement in Cincinnati.
TennisDraw users leaning on Sabalenka's Flushing Meadows history may want to reconsider their bracket picks given the current form tables.
