Aryna Sabalenka has tapped into the currents at just the right time to avenge her gut-wrenching loss in last year’s US Open final.
The Belarusian has sparked a thrilling rivalry with world number one Iga Swiatek at the top end of the WTA Tour in recent years.
And despite finding herself on the losing side more often than not, Sabalenka bulldozered her way past the Pole last week in Cincinnati to record her first straight-sets win in 12 meetings.
It was a statement victory that has driven many to ask the question: is she the best hard-court player in the world?
Is Aryna Sabalenka the best hard-court player in the world?
While Swiatek remains a destructive presence on the red clay, having won four of the previous five French Open titles, Aryna Sabalenka may have been going under the radar as the world’s best hard-court player.
The numbers don’t lie and she has been the most consistent threat at grand slams over the past three years.
Sabalenka has won the past two Australian Open titles and has reached the semi-finals of each of the previous three editions of the US Open, notably throwing away a set lead in last year’s showdown match.
After storming through the field in Cincinnati last week without dropping a set and thus cementing her status as the favorite for the upcoming major in New York, a journalist opened the world number two’s pre-tournament press conference by posing her the aforementioned question.
“What a question,” Sabalenka responded with a laugh. “I don’t know, you better ask other players! I mean I think I definitely do really well on the hard courts.”
Will Sabalenka win the US Open?
It is extremely difficult to look past Sabalenka and her chances of adding a third grand slam title to her impressive resume.
The 26-year-old was one set away from clinching her maiden US Open title in last year’s final but succumbed to the resilience of teen sensation Coco Gauff.
But the circumstances are rather different this time around.
Along with Elena Rybakina, Gauff is experiencing a slump in form and there are doubts over who will challenge the Belarusian for the title.
The reigning finalist will kickstart her campaign on Monday against Australian Priscilla Hon.
- READ MORE: The full US Open draw
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