Aryna Sabalenka makes key promise to fans hours before first US Open match

Aryna Sabalenka has commented on her poor run of form as she prepares to face Camila Osorio in the first round of the US Open.

The defending US Open champion arrives at Flushing Meadows low on confidence after failing to reach the quarter-finals of her last three events.

Worryingly, the Belarusian has failed to win a major in 2026 after starting the year on a high when she finished runner-up at the Australian Open and won back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami.

She most recently suffered a shock exit at the Cincinnati Open after losing 7-6, 6-4 to Sara Bejlek in the last 16, while facing criticism from fans for her angry reaction towards a ball boy.

To make matters worse, the 28-year-old's position as world No.1 is under threat after Elena Rybakina climbed above her in the WTA live rankings following a run to the quarter-finals in Cincinnati.

Sabalenka will surrender her position at the top if she fails to win the trophy outright and Rybakina loses before the semi-finals, which has placed her under immense pressure to defend her crown.

"I've been dealing with several things," Sabalenka confessed ahead of her match on Monday as she aims for a hat-trick of victories in New York.

"Well, that's the beauty of a sport. Throw tough challenges at me, I will come back only stronger," the top seed continued, making a promise to the fans that she will end her worrying run of form.

"It wasn't the best period. I don't want to defend myself, but obviously I just don't want to talk about that period."

Rick Macci warns Aryna Sabalenka is on a 'slippery slope'

Sabalenka was tight-lipped about the troubles she's been facing off the court, but it's become clear that she's struggled to hold herself together in matches.

Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena and Venus Williams, noticed that her mindset in crucial moments is a cause for concern, but is confident she can transform the mental side of her game to return to her best.

"Sabalenka is on a slippery slope. The "Belarusian bomber" still has an incredible serve, but in difficult moments, I see a different mindset in how she handles pressure," Macci said.

"Her confidence comes and goes, rises and falls, but she still has that explosive power from the baseline."

"She can completely change the situation at the last Grand Slam of the season, because she has already proven mentally that she is a tiger, not a lamb," he added.

"Right now, Sabalenka is competing against herself. When an athlete reaches that point, they can still win a few matches, but mentally, their confidence is going in circles."

In an incredibly challenging year, Sabalenka threatened to quit the sport after her shock defeat to Diana Shnaider at the French Open in June, where an implosion on court saw her lose 10 consecutive games.

She then lost to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of Wimbledon and failed to get beyond the last 16 of the recent WTA 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati.

A third US Open triumph would be the perfect response to her recent struggles and truly prove she's still the woman to beat in the big tournaments.