“Who cares, right?”: Aryna Sabalenka refuses to explain her worrying US Open form

Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 04:30

Aryna Sabalenka smilling at press conference from Toronto.

Aryna Sabalenka opens the US Open as the defending champion for the second consecutive year, but her position at the top of the sport is less secure than it was 12 months ago. The world No. 1 is also chasing a third straight title in New York, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014.

The ranking is now part of the tournament's equation. Elena Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, can take No. 1 with a semifinal appearance, while Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula also have mathematical paths to the top spot. Sabalenka therefore enters with considerably more than her title at stake.

Her recent results have created the other obvious storyline. After winning Indian Wells and Miami, Sabalenka has gone 17-7 since April and has not reached another final. She lost in the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon before falling to Sara Bejlek in Cincinnati's round of 16, leaving her under scrutiny heading into New York.

Sabalenka did not appear interested in joining that discussion. Asked whether something was wrong with her game after the Cincinnati defeat, she answered with a line that immediately reframed the conversation.

Sabalenka refuses to diagnose her recent downturn

The 28-year-old has already accumulated major hard-court credentials this season. Her Miami victory over Gauff completed the Sunshine Double after Indian Wells, making her the fifth woman to achieve the feat. She also began 2026 by reaching the Australian Open final, where Rybakina defeated her 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

She acknowledged that the period has not been her best and said there were several things behind it, but declined to turn those circumstances into a public explanation. “Well, that's the beauty of the sport. You know, throw tough challenges at me, I will come back only stronger."

Aryna Sabalenka clenches her fist after winning a point at the Canadian Open in Toronto.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after a point during the Women’s Singles round of 64 match against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan on day 4 of the WTA Masters 1000 National Bank Open

"So it wasn't the best period," she added at press conference. "I don't want to defend myself, but obviously I just don't want to talk about that period. I've been dealing with several things, but who cares, right? So, yeah, I didn't perform my best.”

The numbers give Sabalenka a substantial base to work from despite the downturn. She remains No. 1, has three titles this season and has already spent an extended period controlling the rankings.

“I know that I can play my best tennis," Sabalenka said. "I know that I can compete against everyone. I know that I can win against everyone."

A three-peat would put Sabalenka alongside Evert and Williams

The US Open itself offers Sabalenka an opportunity to change the narrative without needing to address it verbally. She won her first New York title in 2024 and successfully defended it last year, meaning another championship would make her only the third woman in the Open Era to win the tournament three times consecutively. Evert and Williams remain the only players to have achieved that feat.

“This tough lesson is definitely going to make me way, way stronger. I'm working even harder. I work on my mental side of the game. I was trying to reset my mind and to come back stronger. So it's only going to make me stronger. It's only a matter of time for me to come back.”

Read also

The potential record carries particular significance for Sabalenka because of the players involved. Evert and Williams were figures she watched growing up, and joining them would add a distinctive achievement to a career that already includes four Grand Slam singles titles.

She has also held the No. 1 ranking for 97 consecutive weeks entering New York, making the current ranking battle another marker of how much has changed since her rise to the top.

“They're the biggest and they're legends and I was growing up looking up to them and I loved the way they dominated the tour," Sabalenka claimed. "So if I'll be able to put my name kind of like slightly next to them, that would mean a lot to me.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

“I have to go 100%”: Carlos Alcaraz sends clear message ahead of risky US Open comeback