The WTA’s best has descended on New York, as the 2026 US Open kicks off its main draw on Sunday — marking the final Grand Slam of the year.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is vying to become the third-ever player to win three straight US Open women’s titles, joining the likes of Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
“I do like how she’s practicing right now, and what she’s doing on the court,” Sabalenka’s coach Anton Dubrov told ATP legend Andy Roddick. “At the moment, I want her to be happy, and enjoy the process.”
Sabalenka has yet to win a Slam this season, putting her world No. 1 ranking in jeopardy as top competitors hit the court in Queens.
No. 2 Elena Rybakina could overtake Sabalenka should she get past No. 8 Iga Świątek, while No. 4 Coco Gauff is a collision course with No. 5 Mira Andreeva, and No. 3 Jessica Pegula stares down No. 7 Karolína Muchová.
Tennis icon Venus Williams will face fellow Slam winner Sofia Kenin in Sunday’s first round, before joining sister Serena for next week’s doubles campaign.
US Open singles coverage begins on Sunday (ESPN).
