Shaky Sabalenka and wide-open men's draw set stage for US Open drama
Defending champion arrives at Flushing Meadows in poor form and with a host of challengers looking to usurp her
TL;DR
- Aryna Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion, is experiencing a form crisis, having not reached a final since April.
- Sabalenka must win the US Open title to have a chance at retaining her No. 1 ranking, with Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula also in contention for the top spot.
- The women's field is highly competitive, with all top 11 players having won WTA 1000 titles or above.
- The men's draw is considered wide open due to Jannik Sinner's withdrawal with a knee injury.
- Carlos Alcaraz is returning from a four-month injury layoff, raising questions about his readiness.
- Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, and Arthur Fils are among the strong contenders in the men's draw.
- Novak Djokovic faces physical challenges but remains a contender for his 25th Grand Slam title.