{
  "id": 3924687,
  "title": "Sabalenka chases US Open three-peat amid downturn in form",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/sabalenka-chases-us-open-three-peat-amid-downturn-in-form",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T08:47:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40436866/sabalenka-chases-us-open-three-peat-amid-downturn-in-form"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aryna Sabalenka aims to become the first player since Serena Williams to secure three consecutive US Open titles, despite a noticeable decline in her performance. The 28-year-old Russian was once considered the dominant force at Flushing Meadows, having claimed back-to-back championships by displaying a strong and accurate playing style. However, her momentum has recently stalled, as evidenced by her 17-7 win-loss record since April, indicating a loss of consistency.\n\nSabalenka's world number one ranking could now be at risk, with Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina posing a significant challenge. The four-time Grand Slam winner is acutely aware of the pressure she faces. \"Everyone wants to beat you,\" she stated prior to the Cincinnati Open qualifier, where she was eliminated in the round of 16 by Czech outsider Sara Bejlek. \"It's the same whether you're number one, number two, or number 10. I enjoy having a target on my back.\"\n\nDespite her ranking, Sabalenka encourages the younger generation and finds inspiration in their admiration. She emphasized the importance of focusing on her development as a player and person, asserting that ranking does not hold as much significance. However, ESPN commentator Mary Joe Fernandez believes Sabalenka's chances are shaky. \"She hasn't reached a final since winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back,\" Fernandez remarked. \"She struggled with big points and has lost a few crucial leads in some events.\"\n\nTennis analyst Rick Macci further questioned Sabalenka's mental state before the year's final Grand Slam. \"Right now Sabalenka is competing against herself,\" Macci posted on social media, having previously coached Williams in the early 1990s. \"When an athlete does this, you can still get a few wins, but mentally your confidence spins.\" Macci added that the U.S. Open is the WTA championship to watch, as 15 different players could potentially claim the title.",
  "summary": "BENGALURU: Aryna Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman since Serena Williams to capture three consecutive titles at the US Open, though a sharp dip in form has clouded what once looked like an inevitable march toward the milestone. Back-to-back titles forged by a powerful and precise game established the 28-year-old as the dominant force at Flushing Meadows, where no woman has enjoyed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Independent Singapore",
        "title": "US Open 2026: Can Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka defend their titles?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/us-open-2026-can-carlos-alcaraz-and-aryna-sabalenka-defend-their",
        "published": "2026-08-27T09:03:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Sabalenka chases US Open three-peat amid downturn in form",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/sabalenka-chases-us-open-three-peat-amid-downturn-in-form",
        "published": "2026-08-27T14:23:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "US Open draw hands Alcaraz, Sabalenka tough tests",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/us-open-draw-hands-alcaraz-sabalenka-tough-tests-3833297",
        "published": "2026-08-27T22:37:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka receive top seeds at US Open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/alexander-zverev-aryna-sabalenka-receive-top-seeds-at-us-open",
        "published": "2026-08-28T06:16:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "US Open draw winners, losers: Sabalenka, Djokovic face grueling paths to final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/us-open-draw-winners-losers-sabalenka-djokovic-face-grueling-paths-to",
        "published": "2026-08-28T09:31:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}