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Sabalenka Targets Third Straight U.S. Open Title

8/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1, is aiming for a third consecutive U.S. Open title.
She entered the tournament after losing match points in Madrid and surrendering a French Open quarterfinal lead.
Coach Anton Dubrov says she converts stadium noise and traffic into motivation.
After matches she does a 10-minute high-resistance bike, stretches, drinks a protein shake, eats steak, then sleeps.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 Serena Williams completed a historic US Open three-peat, winning her sixth title there and her 18th Grand Slam overall, tying Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Williams eventually amassed 23 Grand Slam singles crowns, the Open Era record. Current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka now confronts similar pressure after squandering match points in Madrid and a French Open quarter-final lead, while the WTA recalls past prize-money hikes.

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Story summary

Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1, is aiming for a third consecutive U.S. Open title.
She entered the tournament after losing match points in Madrid and surrendering a French Open quarterfinal lead.
Coach Anton Dubrov says she converts stadium noise and traffic into motivation.
After matches she does a 10-minute high-resistance bike, stretches, drinks a protein shake, eats steak, then sleeps.

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