Aryna Sabalenka defends US Open title amid form slump

Aryna Sabalenka is chasing a third consecutive US Open title in New York, but the world's top-ranked player arrives with her form under serious scrutiny after a series of early tournament exits. The 28-year-old Belarusian faces this challenge while also making headlines for her stance on a new WTA policy and her bold on-court fashion.

Can Sabalenka overcome her recent slump?

Sabalenka's results have dipped sharply. She hasn't advanced past the fourth round in her last few tournaments, including upset losses to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Toronto and to Sara Bejlek in Cincinnati. These performances have raised questions about her readiness to match Serena Williams' feat of three straight US Open wins from 2012 to 2014.

She isn't showing any public concern. "Maybe there's something wrong with people," Sabalenka said to those questioning her game. Her power on hard courts makes her a perennial threat, and she started 2026 strongly with back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami before reaching the Australian Open final.

Why did Sabalenka endorse the new WTA sex test policy?

On August 4, 2026, Sabalenka publicly supported the WTA's new mandatory genetic testing protocol. "I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," she said. The policy, introduced in July 2026, requires a one-time test for the SRY gene, typically found on the Y chromosome.

Sabalenka argued that biological differences matter. "Obviously, biologically, men are way stronger than women, so I feel like it would not be really fair for a woman to compete against a biological man," she stated. Her endorsement carries weight as the world No. 1, a position she has held for 92 consecutive weeks.

What progress has been made on player pay and voice?

Sabalenka and American player Jessica Pegula welcomed two significant developments announced on August 28. First, the US Open unveiled a record $108 million prize purse for 2026. Second, the four Grand Slams plan to create a player advisory council.

Sabalenka, a vocal advocate for better compensation, said these moves could ease tensions. "We're super happy... that we're finally getting to the point where we wanted to be at the very beginning," she told reporters. She and men's No. 1 Jannik Sinner had previously limited media activities at the French Open and Wimbledon to 15 minutes as a protest, symbolizing the roughly 15% of revenue going to prize money.

How did fans react to her US Open outfit?

Sabalenka's tennis wasn't the only topic during the US Open's first week. Her fashion choice for a mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic drew intense reactions. She wore a black, see-through mesh dress over a red sports bra and shorts, accessorized with custom jewelry including an 83-carat necklace.

Despite the designer's intent to match New York's bold energy, social media critics quickly roasted the look. Sabalenka's response was characteristically defiant. "Who cares about people, right? All matters for me is that I love it," she said.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Aryna Sabalenka aims for a third straight US Open crown despite recent fourth-round exits in Toronto and Cincinnati.
• She fully supports the WTA's new mandatory genetic testing policy for all players, announced in July 2026.
• Sabalenka praised the record $108 million US Open prize money and the creation of a Grand Slam player council.