Aryna Sabalenka wants to change 'insane' feat last achieved by Serena Williams as US Open title defence begins
Published 23/08/2025 at 10:48 GMT+1
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wants to replicate Serena Williams by storming to back-to-back US Open triumphs. The Belarusian star will get her campaign underway against Rebeka Masarova in the first round. Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in the final of the US Open last year, and she will need more of the same if she is going to retain her title over the next few weeks.
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Aryna Sabalenka has set her sights on becoming the first woman to win back-to-back US Open titles since Serena Williams.
The world No. 1 stormed to victory in New York 12 months ago, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the final.
Sabalenka will get the defence of her crown underway against Rebeka Masarova in the first round on Sunday, and if the Belarusian star can win the tournament, she will become the first to claim back-to-back US Opens since Williams stormed to three victories in a row between 2012 and 2014.
The three-time Grand Slam champion wants to end the wait for a back-to-back champion at the final Grand Slam of the tennis year.
"My thought is to change that," she said during her press-conference.
"But, wow, that's insane, you know, how unpredictable women's tennis is, right? Should we change it? Should we try at least to change it?
"I think it's a lot of pressure, definitely. Just because this place is so big, and it feels bigger than the other Slams in some ways.
"Maybe every time defending champions come and they put so much pressure on themselves. But I feel like I'm experienced enough to just focus on myself and try to replicate that result."
After being eliminated from the semi-finals of Wimbledon by Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka was forced to settle for a quarter-final exit at the Cincinnati Masters.
The 27-year-old made her US Open debut back in 2017, and she admits that she is feeling increasingly comfortable at the event after initially being daunted by its size.
"The first times I was coming here, it was, I felt, too big and I felt like the goal is so far, and a lot of work has to be done before I will be able to achieve my dream," she said.
"Maybe the last five or six years, I feel so comfortable and I enjoy a lot this tournament.
"There is something special about the US Open. Like the atmosphere in the stadium is insane. The support, people who come watch you play - it's just an incredible place."
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Sabalenka would love to end the season with a Grand Slam, but she insists it has been excellent 12 months either way.
"Well, of course ideally I would love to finish the season with a Grand Slam and world No 1," she said.
"But I think if this goal is not going to be achieved, I'll still think that this season's been really amazing for me.
"All of those tough lessons that I learned this season are only going to make me stronger for the next one.
"I'll work even harder in the pre-season to make sure next year (is) going to be only a year of success, like truly success."
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