World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka enters the 2026 US Open with a historic chance to claim a third consecutive title. However, a sudden dip in form and rising threats from rivals like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff cast serious doubt on her title defense.
- Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
- After a dominant start to 2026, her form has slumped with a 17-7 record since April and an early exit in Cincinnati.
- Rivals like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina are poised to challenge her crown and World No. 1 ranking.
Belarusian tennis powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka arrives at Flushing Meadows chasing a milestone that very few women in the Open Era have ever achieved: three consecutive US Open singles titles. Having lifted the prestigious trophy in New York in 2024 and 2025, a victory this year would cement her status alongside the absolute legends of the sport.
However, despite the weight of history supporting her campaign, Sabalenka's biggest obstacle at the tournament might not be her opponents, but her own inconsistent form. The World No. 1 started the 2026 season in sensational fashion, winning both Indian Wells and Miami to complete the coveted Sunshine Double. She won 26 of her first 27 matches, looking virtually unbeatable on hard courts.
Since April, however, her momentum has slowed down dramatically. Sabalenka has registered a modest 17-7 record over the last four months and has failed to reach a single tournament final. Her most recent setback occurred in Cincinnati, where 20-year-old Czech player Sara Bejlek stunned her in straight sets during the Round of 16, exposing a sudden vulnerability in Sabalenka's late-game execution.
| Player | Recent Form (Since April) | US Open Titles | Ranking Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aryna Sabalenka | Inconsistent (17-7 Record) | 2 (2024, 2025) | No. 1 (Under Pressure) |
| Iga Swiatek | Strong (Canadian Open Champion) | 1 (2022) | No. 2 |
| Coco Gauff | Excellent (Cincinnati Champion) | 1 (2023) | No. 3 |
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Sabalenka's mental fortitude is currently undergoing its most severe test yet. In professional tennis, physical dominance can only carry a player so far; when self-doubt creeps in, opponents immediately sense an opportunity. Sabalenka's recent tendency to drop leads has given the rest of the WTA field the belief that the defending champion is beatable.
Mentally, Sabalenka's confidence has been tested, and as a result, the unreal belief we saw before is currently out the door.
According to renowned tennis coach Rick Macci, opponents have begun to adjust to Sabalenka's aggressive baseline play. When her high-powered first strikes fail to find the lines, she becomes increasingly vulnerable to defensive players who can extend rallies and force her into committing unforced errors. This tactical shift has made her path to a third consecutive title highly unpredictable.
The field of challengers in New York is exceptionally deep. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has regained her rhythm after winning the Canadian Open in Toronto. Meanwhile, 2023 champion Coco Gauff enters the tournament with sky-high confidence following her title run in Cincinnati. Additionally, Elena Rybakina remains a major threat to Sabalenka's top ranking, despite dealing with a recent ankle injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the only women to win three consecutive US Open titles in the Open Era?
Only Chris Evert (1975–1978) and Serena Williams (2012–2014) have successfully completed a three-peat or better at the US Open in the Open Era.
2. Is Aryna Sabalenka's World No. 1 ranking at risk during the US Open?
Yes, depending on her performance and how deep rivals like Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina advance in the tournament, Sabalenka could lose her top ranking.
