Aryna Sabalenka is preparing to defend her US Open title after experiencing painful defeats in the 2025 Grand Slam tournaments. Her year began with high hopes following her 2024 victory at Flushing Meadows. However, she faced losses in the finals of both the Australian Open and French Open. These setbacks caused emotional distress and prompted personal introspection. After withdrawing from competition post-Wimbledon for a mental recharge, she returns at the Cincinnati Open to prepare for the US Open, aiming to apply the lessons learned from her recent experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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 status as a top competitor.
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