Title: Aryna Sabalenka Prepares to Defend US Open Crown
World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she feels ready to reach her best level as she prepares to defend her US Open title at Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka's Season and Comeback
The 27-year-old Belarusian leads the rankings despite a season that has not added to her three Grand Slam singles trophies. Narrow defeats in two major finals and a Wimbledon semi-final have left her hungrier for success in New York, a tournament she calls her favourite.
Sabalenka took time away from competition after Wimbledon and skipped the Montreal event to recover. Her comeback at Cincinnati ended with a straight-sets quarter-final loss to Elena Rybakina, but she arrives in New York relaxed and optimistic.
Lessons and Challenges
"I've taken away some hard lessons this year," she said, noting the consistency of her results even as one small piece has been missing. Both Grand Slam final defeats this season went the distance.
She lost a tight three-set match to Madison Keys in Melbourne and then fell in three sets to Coco Gauff at Roland Garros. Sabalenka also acknowledged criticism over post-match comm...