US Open: Sabalenka’s New York test is about more than No. 1
Aryna Sabalenka faces a challenging US Open as she attempts to defend her title while struggling with form and the potential loss of her world No. 1 ranking. Several other top players are in contention to overtake her in the rankings.
Why it matters
The US Open is a major sporting event, and the shift in rankings highlights the high-stakes nature of professional tennis.
NEW YORK CITY: Aryna Sabalenka arrived at Flushing Meadows chasing history. She could leave it without the No. 1 ranking.The 28-year-old two-time defending champion is chasing history, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win three straight US Open titles. But her dip in form has left her hold on the No. 1 ranking looking increasingly fragile. Sabalenka, who made the final of the Australian Open in January and won back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami has made just one semifinal in her last seven tournaments. The powerful Belarusian, whose recent meltdowns have left spectators gasping, is 17-7 since April.The top seed is closing in on a significant milestone -- 100 consecutive weeks at No. 1 -- but would need to win a third straight US Open title to get there.
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