Aryna Sabalenka’s recent form has undergone a concerning decline ahead of the US Open, as noted by Rick Macci, a coach known for his association with Serena Williams. The current world No. 1 is reportedly battling issues with confidence, leading to speculation that her opponents are beginning to perceive her as beatable.

Following a highly successful start to the 2026 season, where Sabalenka clinched titles at both Indian Wells and the Miami Open, her subsequent performances have raised alarms. Since winning the Miami title, she has struggled to maintain her winning momentum and has not reached another final, sparking questions about her mental fortitude and consistency on court.

Rick Macci highlighted her altered style of play, stating that she now plays further behind the baseline and appears to be under pressure more frequently. His observation emphasised that she is departing from her powerful crosscourt shots earlier than she used to, indicating a possible mental blockage. The former tennis coach remarked that Sabalenka’s once unshakeable confidence seems to have diminished.

Significant Matches and Setbacks

The downturn in Sabalenka’s performance since her Sunshine Double triumph is evident in her results. In Madrid, she faced a quarter-final defeat against Hailey Baptiste, notably after failing to convert six match points. This pattern continued in Rome, where she was upset in the third round by Sorana Cirstea in a challenging three-set match.

The situation escalated at Roland Garros, where she initially took command against Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals, leading by a set and a break at 4-1. However, she could not seal the victory, ultimately succumbing with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. This match marked a significant drop in her performance during critical moments.

Further compounding her struggles, Sabalenka’s Wimbledon campaign ended early with a defeat against Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. She managed to reach the semi-finals in Berlin but was met with another loss to Jessica Pegula, raising further concerns regarding her current state of play.

Looking Ahead to the US Open

Most alarmingly, Sabalenka has yet to secure a Grand Slam title in 2026. She reached the finals of the Australian Open, advanced to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, and exited in the fourth round at Wimbledon. For a player who has built her reputation on power and aggression, these recent events signal a troubling trend.

As the US Open approaches, it is imperative for Sabalenka to regain her confidence and the unwavering belief that she once exhibited. The growing conviction among her rivals could become a significant hurdle if not addressed, highlighting the importance of her mental and physical readiness ahead of the major tournament.

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