The US Open is just around the corner, and players are already making their way to Flushing Meadows. All eyes will be on the reigning singles champions, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, as they prepare to defend their crowns. With the season’s final Grand Slam about to begin, anticipation is at its peak for both champions to showcase their best gameplay in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka Spotted Practicing in New York
The official US Open account shared a short video of Sabalenka powering balls across Louis Armstrong Stadium’s blue courts. In the clip, she can be seen hitting firm forehands and backhands, sharpening her powerful shots before the tournament begins.
Your defending champ is back! 👀 pic.twitter.com/oqtbW50quy
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 17, 2025
Sabalenka herself announced her arrival at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center through an Instagram story captioned: “I missed this place so much,” tagging the US Open’s official Instagram account.
Sabalenka has played fierce tennis on the courts of Flushing Meadows over the years. She has played in the semifinals at the tournament since 2021, when she lost to Leylah Fernandez in three sets. Then, the world number one Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek got the better of her in 2022.
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The very next year, Sabalenka improved her performance and managed to reach the final, but lost to Coco Gauff in three sets as the American claimed her first Grand Slam title. It all came together last year when Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the final to win the singles title — her third Grand Slam victory.
Sabalenka’s Unfortunate 2025 Grand Slam Season
The Belarusian’s 2025 season has been steadier in tour-level events, winning three WTA titles at Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid. With this achievement, she became the first player, both men and women, to secure three titles in 2025.
However, Sabalenka’s Grand Slam story of this year tells something else. She fell short against Madison Keys in the Australian Open, against Coco Gauff at Roland Garros, and was defeated by Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals at Wimbledon this year, meaning she is yet to win a Grand Slam title this year.
With the US Open being the final major tournament and Sabalenka being the defending champion, there is a lot of pressure on her. If she wants to end the year with at least one major title, defending her crown at Flushing Meadows is a must for the Belarusian.
