Aryna Sabalenka enters the final stretch of the tennis season with a renewed sense of perspective, shaped by a series of painful defeats in 2025’s Grand Slam tournaments. As she prepares to defend her US Open crown, the Belarusian star acknowledges that the setbacks have taught her valuable lessons—ones she hopes will sharpen her competitive edge in New York.
Grand Slam Setbacks Fuel Determination
Sabalenka began the year with high expectations after her triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2024, but her journey through the Grand Slam calendar has been anything but smooth. She fell short in the finals of both the Australian Open and the French Open, losing to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff respectively. Each loss carried its own sting, not just in terms of missed titles but in the emotional aftermath.
A Moment of Misjudgment and Growth
Following her defeat at Roland Garros, Sabalenka made headlines for her candid remarks, attributing the loss to her own poor form and offering little recognition to Gauff’s performance. Days later, she issued an apology, admitting that her emotions had clouded her judgment. “You’re just trying to figure out what just happened. You don’t think clearly, and then you make this comment,” she explained to reporters, showing a level of introspection that suggests personal growth.
Recharging Before the Final Push
After a semifinal exit at Wimbledon at the hands of Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka took time away from competition to regroup. That break ends with her return to the court at the Cincinnati Open, where she’ll begin her final preparations for the US Open. The tournament kicks off Thursday, offering Sabalenka a chance to test her form and mindset before stepping back onto the biggest stage.
Eyes on Flushing Meadows
With the US Open looming, Sabalenka’s journey this season has been marked by both disappointment and resilience. The lessons she’s absorbed—on and off the court—may prove crucial as she seeks to reclaim her title and reaffirm her place among the sport’s elite.
Sabalenka in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.1, Aryna owns a composed 47-9 record in 2025. Aryna is currently having a run in Cincinnati where she bested
Aryna Sabalenka will come up against the world no.63 Marketa Vondrousova in the 2nd round. Their head to head is 4-4.
Aryna clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Aryna got to the final at the Australian Open, in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open), in Stuttgart (Porsche Tennis Grand Prix) and at the French Open.
The Belarussian won 20 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)