‘Tough lessons’ helping Aryna Sabalenka ahead of US Open defence

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Aryna Sabalenka during a practice session ahead of the 2025 US Open on Aug 21.

PHOTO: AFP

NEW YORK – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka believes she is ready to hit her peak, as she prepares to launch the defence of her US Open crown after a tumultuous season of near-misses.

The 27-year-old from Belarus arrives at Flushing Meadows sitting on top of the global rankings, despite a year in which she has failed to add to her tally of three Grand Slam singles titles.

Agonising defeats in the finals of the Australian and French Opens, followed by a semi-final exit at Wimbledon, have left Sabalenka even more determined to retain her crown in New York – a tournament she regards as her favourite Grand Slam.

The Belarusian took a lengthy break after her Wimbledon disappointment, opting to skip the WTA Montreal tournament in order to recharge.

Although her return at the Cincinnati Open ended in a straight-sets loss to Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, a relaxed Sabalenka says she is in a positive mood heading to New York.

“I’ve had a pretty good season so far in the Slams. Lost those two finals but I learnt really tough lessons,” she said. “I lost in semis at Wimbledon but the consistency is there. I’m just missing a little, little part. (The US Open) has always been my favorite Slam. I’m defending champion, and I love being in this position.”

Both of Sabalenka’s Grand Slam final defeats this season went to three sets.

A gruelling 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 loss to Madison Keys in Melbourne was