US Open women's singles: Three talking points
NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka’s world number one ranking is on the line at the US Open, where the Belarusian star will try to shake off recent struggles to clinch a rare three-peat in the final Grand Slam of the season.
Three crucial talking points await attention ahead of the US Open women's singles tournament:
1. Sabalenka's quest for a three-peat: Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to secure three consecutive US Open titles. While she became world number one, recent tournament exits have hindered her progress. Second-ranked Elena Rybakina is also vying for the title but faces injury concerns. Other potential finalists include Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
2. Rybakina's injury concerns: Rybakina has been a persistent threat to Sabalenka's championship ambitions. However, her US Open campaign is now clouded by an apparent Achilles tendon injury that forced her withdrawal from the Cincinnati quarter-final. If she returns to action, she could face top-ranked Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, along with Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, and Belinda Bencic.
3. Resurgence of Gauff and Swiatek: Former champions Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have both secured their first titles of 2026. Gauff, who previously won the US Open in 2023, will likely face a smoother road to the final now that her service issues have been addressed. Meanwhile, Swiatek, who had not reached a final in 2026 until her Toronto victory, has been on a 10-match winning streak before falling to Pegula.
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