Can Sabalenka Secure Third Consecutive US Open Title in 2026?

Aryna Sabalenka arrives at the 2026 US Open with the rare chance to become the first woman since Serena Williams to capture three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows. The defending champion is placed in the top half of the draw with top‑seed Jessica Pegula and Wimbledon‑winner Linda Noskova, while her opening opponent is Colombia’s Camila Osorio, world No. 58. Sabalenka’s recent résumé includes back‑to‑back titles in 2024 and 2025, yet she has yet to claim a Grand Slam this calendar year. Her main threat comes from world No. 2 Elena Raybikina, seeded second and slated to meet low‑ranked American Thia Frodden in round one. The bracket design prevents any meeting between Sabalenka and Raybikina before a possible final, making the championship clash a tantalising prospect. If the Australian Open final is replayed, Sabalenka could be forced into a semi‑final against 2024 US Open runner‑up Jessica Pegula or 2026 Wimbledon runner‑up Caroline Muchova. The American contingent – Pegula, Coco Goff (2023 champion) and Anastasia Anisimova – also harbor realistic chances, with Pegula likely to face Caroline Muchova or ninth‑seed Elena Svitolina in the quarters. Swiatek, who hasn’t advanced beyond a quarter‑final since Wimbledon 2025, earned a morale‑boosting win in Toronto and may run into 22nd‑seed Kiz in the quarters. Meanwhile, emerging talent Alexandra Ela from the Philippines has already generated the “Ela effect” among spectators at the mixed‑doubles event, hinting at a new generation of stars. Venus Williams, granted a singles wild‑card, will open against former champion Sofia Kenin, while both Williams sisters enjoy wild‑card entries in the doubles draw.