Chasing History: Aryna Sabalenka Returns to Flushing Meadows with Eyes on a Third Straight Title
New Delhi: The image of Aryna Sabalenka collapsing to her knees in the center of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the conclusion of the 2025 US Open remains etched in the memories of tennis fans worldwide. After sealing a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Amanda Anisimova, the Belarusian remained in that poignant, silent pose for nearly a full minute—a raw moment of catharsis following a grueling championship defense.
By securing that victory, Sabalenka etched her name in the history books as the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to clinch back-to-back US Open titles. Now, as the tennis world descends upon New York for the 2026 edition, the World No. 1 faces her most daunting task yet: a quest for a third consecutive crown.
Despite the immense pressure that accompanies such a historic bid, Sabalenka exudes a sense of calm and genuine enthusiasm. “I’m super excited. It’s always a great time to be in New York, and I’m happy to be back in this beautiful stadium. I just cannot wait to play my first match,” she said in an interview ahead of the tournament.
The Crucible of Competition
Sabalenka’s ascent to dominance in New York has been a masterclass in mental fortitude. After overcoming Jessica Pegula in a tight 2024 final, she solidified her status as the queen of Flushing Meadows in 2025. However, the path to a “three-peat” is fraught with elite challengers. The current landscape of women’s tennis is arguably the most competitive it has ever been, with the likes of Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and 2026 Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, and Linda Noskova all vying for supremacy.
Far from feeling intimidated, the defending champion embraces the shifting dynamics at the top of the rankings.
“[Competition] always pushes you for the better,” Sabalenka noted. “[When there is someone chasing you] or you have a target on your back, that just makes you stronger, and that really pushes you to work super hard, and that’s why I love sport.”
Balancing Intensity and Life
A significant driver of Sabalenka’s recent success is a newfound commitment to balance. Having once struggled to manage the all-consuming nature of professional tennis, the champion now emphasizes the importance of disconnecting when away from the baseline.
“I’ve always said that it’s really important to balance one’s life both on and off the court,” she explained. “On the court, it’s very intense and super aggressive, and there is no time for little, soft moments. But then off the court, it’s all about having fun, doing things you like, just to feel a little bit more relaxed.”
For Sabalenka, New York City acts as both her professional stage and her personal playground. Between the high-stakes matches, she finds motivation in the city’s unique energy. “I love the crowds here—when they cheer for you, it’s the best feeling. I love to go for good dinners, do some shopping, and just soak in the city. It pushes you to work hard and stay motivated.”
As the 2026 US Open gets underway, all eyes will be on the woman who has mastered the art of winning in New York. Can she secure her place in tennis immortality with a third straight title, or will the fierce field of challengers finally catch up?
Tune-in: Catch all the action of the US Open 2026 live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
