Sabalenka bids to rediscover form at intriguing US Open

Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion, aims to regain her form at the prestigious tournament. Earlier this season, she completed a rare Sunshine Double by winning consecutive Indian Wells and Miami titles, becoming only the fifth woman to achieve this feat. However, a recent slump has left the 28-year-old Belarusian struggling to maintain her position at the top of the world rankings.

Sabalenka enters the US Open with a 17-7 win-loss record since her Miami triumph, including setbacks at the French Open and Wimbledon. To defend her title, she must win 2,000 points in New York, where Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina trails by just 434 points. Sabalenka remains confident she can rediscover her mojo on hard courts, stating that the tough lessons she's learned will make her stronger.

With four Grand Slam singles titles and a consistency on the biggest stages, her mental focus has been questioned in less pressurized situations. Other top contenders include Jessica Pegula, who has been consistent without winning a major, and Coco Gauff, who returns with more confidence after clinching her first major title in New York.

Meanwhile, the men's side sees a lack of competition due to the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton among the top contenders.