Aryna Sabalenka’s Form Slump Ahead of the US Open

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka entered 2024 with a strong start, reaching the Australian Open final and capturing back-to-back hard-court titles at Indian Wells and Miami. However, her results have faltered on the road to the US Open. She exited in the fourth round at Wimbledon, suffered a fourth-round upset to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Toronto, and was eliminated by Sara Bejlek in Cincinnati after losing leads in both sets. These outcomes contrast sharply with her 2024 US Open title win over Jessica Pegula and her 2023 defense against Amanda Anisimova.

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Sabalenka addressed the slump without pinpointing a specific cause, noting she has “been dealing with several things” and is focusing on mental reset and hard work. She emphasized resilience, saying the challenges will make her “way, way stronger.” Tour friend Paula Badosa dismissed speculation that off-court activities such as photo shoots or TikTok videos are responsible, arguing that criticism only appears when Sabalenka loses matches.

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• Australian Open 2024: runner-up (lost to Elena Rybakina)

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• Indian Wells 2024: champion

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• Miami Open 2024: champion

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• Wimbledon 2024: fourth-round loss to Naomi Osaka

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• Toronto 2024: fourth-round loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova

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• Cincinnati 2024: fourth-round loss to Sara Bejlek

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These results have placed her No. 1 ranking in jeopardy as rivals such as Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula gain ground.

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• “It wasn't the best period. 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,” — Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka

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Sabalenka’s path to retaining her US Open title now hinges on a deep run in New York. Analysts note that a strong performance could restore her ranking and momentum, while continued early exits would further endanger her top-seed status.

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