Aryna Sabalenka’s strategic decision to skip the Paris Olympics has paid dividends as she enters the US Open as a formidable contender. While her rivals, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, endured emotional setbacks and inconsistent results during and after the Games, Sabalenka has remained focused and regained her form.
Sabalenka’s consistent performance on the hard courts of New York, with a 16-3 record in the last three editions, gives her an edge over her competitors. She has reached the semi-finals at least and is eager to make a breakthrough at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff, the defending champion, has struggled since her US Open triumph last year. Despite a promising start to the season, she has failed to maintain momentum and has not won a title since. Her recent losses in Toronto and Cincinnati have raised concerns about her ability to defend her crown.
Swiatek, the world No. 1, has also faced challenges in adapting her game to hard courts. While she won the US Open in 2022, she has not been as dominant on this surface as she has been on clay. However, she remains a formidable opponent and will be determined to prove her versatility.
Sabalenka’s recent victory in Cincinnati, where she did not drop a set, has boosted her confidence. She believes that her tough losses in previous years have motivated her to improve and is eager to make a statement at the US Open.
The absence of a two-time women’s singles champion in the last decade at the US Open creates an unpredictable atmosphere. Sabalenka’s consistency, recent form, and strategic preparation give her a slight advantage over her rivals. However, Gauff and Swiatek remain dangerous opponents, and the tournament promises to be a thrilling battle between three of the world’s top players.
