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.
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.”