Sabalenka Aims for Third Straight US Open Title Amidst Form Dip

Aryna Sabalenka stands on the cusp of history, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive U.S. Open titles. Her powerful and precise game had cemented her status as the dominant force at Flushing Meadows, a remarkable run not seen since Williams' three-peat from 2012-14.

However, Sabalenka's seemingly inevitable march toward this milestone has been unexpectedly challenged by a sharp dip in form. After securing hardcourt triumphs in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami, her momentum has stalled. A 17-7 win-loss record since April underscores a concerning loss of consistency that has raised eyebrows among tennis analysts.

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Everyone wants to beat you. It's the same if you're number one, number two, number 10. It doesn't really matter what the ranking is ... I love having a target on my back.

This downturn is particularly significant as Sabalenka's world number one ranking faces a serious threat from Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina. Any falter in New York could prove costly, potentially ceding her top spot. Sabalenka herself acknowledges the pressure, stating ahead of the Cincinnati Open tune-up, "Everyone wants to beat you."

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She has not reached a final since winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back. She struggled a bit winning the big points. She's lost a couple big leads in some events. So she's vulnerable.

ESPN commentator Mary Joe Fernandez noted Sabalenka's title defense appears on shaky ground. "She has not reached a final since winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back," Fernandez observed. "She struggled a bit winning the big points. She's lost a couple big leads in some events. So she's vulnerable."

Tennis analyst Rick Macci echoed these concerns, questioning Sabalenka's mental state heading into the year's final Grand Slam. "Right now Sabalenka is competing against herself," Macci posted on social media. He suggested that while she might still secure wins, her confidence could be wavering, opening the door for a wide-open WTA field in New York.

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Right now Sabalenka is competing against herself. When an athlete does this you can still get a few wins but mentally your confidence spins. This year in New York it is the U.S. WIDE Open for the WTA as 15 different players could have the final say.