Aryna Sabalenka's US Open Three-Peat Bid Under Siege After Mixed Doubles Exit

Aryna Sabalenka's US Open campaign has begun with a stumble. The world No. 1 and two-time defending champion was sent tumbling out of the mixed doubles tournament on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, alongside partner Novak Djokovic. They lost 4-1, 2-4, 2-10 to the specialist duo of Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten. This early exit sets a tense stage for her singles title defense, which starts on Sunday, August 30, as she battles to save her top ranking and secure a historic three-peat.

Sabalenka's Form and Ranking Are in Crisis

Her mixed doubles loss is a minor footnote compared to her broader struggles. Sabalenka returns to New York trying to find a path through her greatest crisis since she first reached No. 1 over three years ago. A straight-sets loss to Sára Bejlek in Cincinnati last week extended a mediocre 17-7 record dating back to April, a period where she has not reached a final. She has just one more chance to turn her fortunes around at the US Open, the tournament she has won on the last two occasions. The pressure is immense. Elena Rybakina begins this tournament sitting at No. 1 in the live standings. Sabalenka must win the title to have any hope of retaining the top ranking, but Rybakina will become the new No. 1 regardless of other results if she reaches the semi-finals.

A Crowded Field Aims to Dethrone the Champion

Those closest in pursuit aren't the only players Sabalenka has to worry about. Americans Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula could also seize the top spot if either wins the title and both Sabalenka and Rybakina falter early. Six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek thrust herself into the conversation with her first title of the season in Toronto. Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala boosted her hard court credentials with a first career WTA title in Washington this month. Sabalenka's recent Grand Slam record includes a quarter-final defeat at Roland Garros and a fourth-round loss at Wimbledon before early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Rybakina's Injury Clouds the Title Race

While Rybakina applies the most direct pressure, her own US Open bid was thrown into doubt by injury. The Kazakh star withdrew from her quarter-final in Cincinnati with an apparent Achilles tendon injury. Her physical condition is now a major unanswered question heading into the fortnight. This uncertainty adds another layer of drama to the women's draw, which appears wide open. Sabalenka said in Cincinnati that the key to turning things around is to play with "no fear" and added that she relishes being the woman to beat.

Sabalenka Backs WTA's New Genetic Testing Policy

Away from immediate on-court drama, Sabalenka recently voiced support for a significant tour policy change. On August 4, 2026, she endorsed the WTA's new one-time, mandatory genetic test for all players, which checks for the SRY gene. "I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," Sabalenka said. "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." Her endorsement carries weight as the player ranked number 1 for 97 consecutive weeks.

Stars Unwind at Glitzy Pre-Open Party

Before the serious competition began, Sabalenka and her peers enjoyed a moment of relaxation. Just two days before the main draw, she attended a star-studded pre-US Open party in New York hosted by David Grutman and Caroline Daur. Sabalenka wore a pink ruffled short dress and attended with her fiancé Giorgios Frangulis. The guest list included Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Alex Eala, and Matteo Berrettini, trading rackets for glamorous outfits for one stunning night. It was a brief respite before the high-stakes battle for the final Grand Slam of the year begins.

• Key Takeaways: Sabalenka and Djokovic lost their US Open mixed doubles first-round match on August 25. Sabalenka must win the US Open singles title to have a chance at keeping her world No. 1 ranking. Elena Rybakina will become the new No. 1 if she reaches the semi-finals, but is battling an Achilles injury.