Aryna Sabalenka Focused and Recharged Ahead of US Open Defense
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is heading into the 2025 US Open with renewed energy and determination after a rollercoaster season of close calls and hard-learned lessons. Despite falling just short in multiple Grand Slam finals this year, the Belarusian star believes she is perfectly poised to peak at Flushing Meadows as she prepares to defend her title.
Sabalenka, 27, has remained at the top of the WTA rankings throughout the season, despite not adding to her Grand Slam trophy collection. She came painfully close in both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, only to lose in three-set thrillers. At Wimbledon, her campaign ended in the semi-finals, but the consistent deep runs have fueled her belief that her game is inching closer to its peak.
After her semi-final exit at the All England Club, Sabalenka opted to skip the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, choosing instead to take a mental and physical break. Although her comeback in Cincinnati saw her bow out in the quarter-finals in straight sets to Elena Rybakina, the reigning US Open champion says she is mentally refreshed and feeling positive.
“I feel like I’ve had a solid season at the Slams,” Sabalenka reflected. “Losing two finals was tough, but I learned a lot from both. The Wimbledon semi-final loss also showed me that I’ve been consistently close. I just need to make a few small adjustments.”
Her loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final (6-3, 2-6, 7-5) and the heartbreaking Roland Garros defeat to Coco Gauff (6-7 [5], 6-2, 6-4) were reminders of how fine the margins are at the top level. However, Sabalenka views those matches as building blocks rather than setbacks.
“The US Open has always been my favorite Slam,” she said. “Being the defending champion gives me extra motivation, not pressure. I love the energy in New York, and I’m ready to go all in.”
With the final Grand Slam of the year approaching, all eyes will be on Sabalenka to see if she can convert consistency into another championship run. Given her determination and self-awareness, she may just be primed to make it happen on the big stage once again.