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Aryna Sabalenka leads US Open field as defending champion

2026-07-22 · Aryna Sabalenka · Player Focus

Aryna Sabalenka will enter the 2026 US Open as the top seed and defending champion, the USTA announced on July 22. The Belarusian star aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows.

What’s the US Open draw like?

The US Open main draw will feature 128 players, with Sabalenka leading the women’s field based on July 20 rankings. The cutoff for direct entry was No. 102 for women and No. 101 for men. Jannik Sinner, the Wimbledon champion and world No. 1, headlines the men’s draw.

Why this matters for Sabalenka

Sabalenka’s dominance at the US Open has been unmatched in recent years. Her back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025 make her the favorite to extend her reign. A third straight win would cement her legacy among tennis greats.

Who else is in the field?

Carlos Alcaraz, the 2024 US Open runner-up, returns after missing the last two Grand Slams due to injury. The Spaniard is ranked No. 3 and hopes to challenge Sinner and Sabalenka. The USTA will finalize the draw with wild cards and qualifiers before the tournament begins on August 30.

What’s next for Sabalenka?

Sabalenka will compete in the US Open hardcourt swing, fine-tuning her game before defending her title. With Serena Williams’ three-peat record in sight, all eyes will be on Sabalenka as she chases history.

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