Overview

• Aryna Sabalenka arrives as world number one and defending champion after two narrow major final losses and a Wimbledon semi, saying hard lessons and a post-Wimbledon reset leave her ready.
• Sabalenka acknowledged and apologized for remarks after her Roland Garros defeat to Coco Gauff, describing the episode as a learning moment before New York.
• Iga Swiatek looms as the primary threat following her Wimbledon breakthrough and Cincinnati title, having previously beaten Sabalenka en route to the 2022 US Open crown.
• Coco Gauff seeks to steady a serve plagued by double faults, bringing in biomechanical specialist Gavin McMillan shortly before the tournament.
• On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner begins his title defense with Novak Djokovic viewed as a contender despite fitness questions, while Venus Williams enters with a wildcard in what could be a farewell appearance against Karolina Muchova.