Former World No.4 Doubts Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open Chances Amid Her Struggles with ‘Lapses’

Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming to win her third consecutive title at the US Open.

Former World No.4 Doubts Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open Chances Amid Her Struggles with ‘Lapses’

Aryna Sabalenka (Image via The Independent)

Aryna Sabalenka will continue her search for form at the US Open. Since completing the rare Sunshine Double at the Miami Open, Sabalenka has reached just one semifinal.

She was pretty dominant on the clay swing last year, reaching the finals of the Stuttgart Open, Madrid Open, and the French Open. But this time, she failed to reach the last four in any of the events. In Berlin, she played the semifinal and lost to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.

The four-time Grand Slam singles champion will enter the US Open as the defending champion. Amid her search for form, former World No.4 Johanna Konta did not pick her as the heavy favorite to take home the title.

I don’t think Sabalenka’s winning it. I don’t think it is necessarily a question of level, because she can play well, she can find a consistent level in every match. It’s not because of that. I actually think it’s because players in the draw believe a bit more right now when they are against her.

Johanna Konta told TNT Sports

Before completing the Sunshine Double, Sabalenka played her career eighth Grand Slam singles final at the Australian Open, also the fourth consecutive time she reached the final there. Elena Rybakina dashed her hopes of winning the third title in the tournament.

So when Sabalenka has those lapses, which she does every match, she has lapses – depending on how solid she is or how long those last, I don’t think she’ll be able to get away with them. So she really created a strong image around herself of being relatively unbeatable in certain situations. I think that has really come down a notch since Miami.

Johanna Konta added

Because of her trophyless run, the 28-year-old is now at risk of losing her No.1 ranking. Only a title defense can save her spot.

World No.2 Rybakina, World No.3 Jessica Pegula, or World No.4 Coco Gauff can remove Sabalenka. Gauff and Pegula will only reach their career-best position if they win the title and Rybakina loses before the semifinals.

These three players are enjoying great form, as they all played a final before entering Flushing Meadows. Rybakina suffered a straight-set defeat at the hands of six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek at the Canadian Open, while Gauff beat Pegula in straight sets in the Cincinnati Open final.

Sabalenka will also be chasing a three-peat in the New York Major. Gauff denied her the win in the 2023 US Open final. In 2024 and 2025, she beat Pegula and Amanda Anisimova, respectively.

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Rick Macci thinks Aryna Sabalenka is struggling with confidence issues

Rick Macci, the childhood coach of the legendary Serena Williams, believes Aryna Sabalenka has been dealing with confidence issues when under pressure. But Macci also has belief in the World No.1’s ability to turn things around.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Reuters)

Sabalenka is on a slippery slope as the Belarus Bomber still has an unreal serve but in tough moments I see a different mindset with her nerve. Her confidence is in and out, up and down but she still has the explosive firepower off the ground. She can flip the script big time at the final Slam as she is proven mentally to be a tiger not a lamb.

Rick Macci wrote on X

Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic also paired up for mixed doubles and lost in the opening round. Before arriving in New York, Djokovic, who played in the final of the Australian Open, lost in the opening round of the Cincinnati Masters.

The main draw of the US Open singles starts on August 30. Djokovic will be chasing his historic 25th Major.

Also read: Anastasia Potapova Lambasts Flight Attendant After ‘Humiliating’ Encounter Before US Open: “She Threatened to Remove Me”