Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open title defence rolled on with another display of controlled aggression, as the world No. 1 booked her spot in the next round with a commanding performance that showcased not just her booming groundstrokes, but her evolving confidence and mental calmness.
Coming into New York as the defending champion, Sabalenka faced both the pressure of expectation and the challenge of adapting to opponents eager to claim the scalp of the top seed. Yet, rather than showing nerves, the Belarusian has embraced the spotlight. Her post-match words summed it up best: “I trust my game. That’s why I can stay calm. I know what I can do, and I just focus on that.”
A Champion’s Mentality
Sabalenka’s rise to the top has not been without challenges. Earlier in her career, her fiery on-court emotions were often a double-edged sword—fueling her intensity, but sometimes undermining her composure in tight moments. Critics questioned whether she could handle the mental demands of the big stage.
The answer came resoundingly in 2023 and 2024, when she lifted multiple Grand Slam trophies and reached the top of the rankings. At the US Open, the site of her breakthrough title, Sabalenka has continued to show a newfound balance: still fiery, but controlled; still aggressive, but measured.
“I know the pressure is there,” she admitted after her latest victory. “Everyone wants to beat me, but instead of thinking about that, I remind myself that I’ve done the work. My game is strong enough. I just need to let it flow.”
On-Court Performance
Against her most recent opponent, Sabalenka played with ruthless efficiency. She broke serve early, dominated rallies with heavy topspin forehands, and closed the match with a blistering ace down the T. Her stats told the story of dominance: double-digit aces, a high first-serve percentage, and nearly twice as many winners as unforced errors.
The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed a player who appeared unshaken even when pushed to deuce or facing break points. Each time, Sabalenka leaned on her biggest weapon—her fearless serve—and delivered.
“She’s just so tough to break down,” her opponent said in the press conference. “Even if you get her moving, she finds a way to hit back hard. And mentally, she doesn’t give you much.”
Trusting the Process
What sets Sabalenka apart this season is her unflinching belief in her preparation. Working closely with her team, she has fine-tuned her training routines, mental conditioning, and recovery protocols.
“My team always reminds me: you’ve done the work, you know what to do. Trust it,” she explained. “It’s about not letting doubts creep in. Tennis is such a mental sport, and sometimes the only difference is who believes more.”
That trust has paid off. Even when her matches have tight patches, she does not spiral into frustration as she once did. Instead, she resets quickly, using her trademark clenched fist and loud “Come on!” as signals of renewed focus.
The Defending Champion’s Aura
Defending a Grand Slam title is one of the toughest tasks in tennis. History shows that many champions falter under the burden of expectations. For Sabalenka, however, defending the US Open crown seems to have unlocked another level of maturity.
Crowds have responded warmly to her, with chants of “Aryna! Aryna!” echoing through Ashe after her latest victory. She has become a fan favorite not just for her powerful tennis but for her charisma and relatability.
“I feel their support,” she said of the New York fans. “They give me energy, especially in the tough moments. I want to fight for them as much as for myself.”
Rivals Keeping Watch
While Sabalenka has cruised through the early rounds, the competition will stiffen as the tournament progresses. Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina all loom as potential challengers.
Yet, Sabalenka does not appear fazed. Asked about the possibility of facing one of her top rivals, she responded with calm assurance: “I respect all of them. They are amazing players. But if I play my game, I believe I can beat anyone. That’s my focus.”
Analysts agree. Former champions commentating for television have noted her blend of confidence and composure, with one pundit remarking: “She’s in that zone where she knows exactly what she wants to do on every point. That’s dangerous for the rest of the field.”
Beyond the Court
Off the court, Sabalenka has been equally busy. Her collaboration with Wilson on the limited-edition Blade racquet has generated massive buzz among fans. The racquet, designed with fiery orange and red accents, symbolizes the energy she brings to the game.
She has also embraced her role as a role model, often speaking about resilience, discipline, and the importance of mental health. Her words resonate with young players who see in her a powerful example of growth—proof that struggles can be transformed into strengths.
Looking Ahead
With each round, Sabalenka edges closer to defending her title and cementing her dominance in women’s tennis. Her blend of raw power and steady belief makes her one of the toughest players to stop.
For her, however, it remains one match at a time. “I don’t think too far ahead,” she insisted. “The only thing that matters is the next point, the next game, the next match. That’s how I stay calm and keep trusting myself.”
As the tournament enters its decisive stages, fans and rivals alike know one thing: Sabalenka is not just playing tennis—she’s sending a message.
Conclusion
“I trust my game.”
Those four words capture the essence of Aryna Sabalenka’s 2025 US Open campaign so far. Calm under pressure, unwavering in belief, and relentless in execution, she embodies what it means to be a champion.
Whether she lifts the trophy again remains to be seen, but one truth is clear: with Sabalenka’s trust in herself, the fire that carried her to the top shows no sign of burning out.