Sabalenka faces ranking pressure as US Open title defence begins

Aryna Sabalenka arrives at the US Open as the two-time defending champion but has struggled since winning the Indian Wells and Miami titles in March, posting a 17-7 record since. With Elena Rybakina closing to within 434 points in the rankings, Sabalenka must win in New York to maintain her 99-week run as world number one. She says the recent tough losses will make her stronger.

Sabalenka's recent slump has been marked by a pattern of squandering leads, most starkly in Cincinnati where she held commanding advantages in both sets against teenager Sara Bejlek before losing. Her serve, typically a reliable weapon, has also faltered in key moments, as seen in her Toronto exit to Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Belarusian's struggles have coincided with a tightening race atop the WTA rankings, with Rybakina's Australian Open victory in January providing the Kazakh with a head-to-head edge and a lighter points burden at Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina's own path is complicated by an ankle injury sustained in Cincinnati, leaving her fitness uncertain. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula's consistent deep runs, including finals in Washington and Cincinnati, and Coco Gauff's recent title form, position both as credible threats to the top spot. Sabalenka's 99-week reign as number one now hinges on results in New York, where she must defend 2,000 points.