As the 2025 US Open approaches in New York, Aryna Sabalenka carries heavy expectations after a year marked by near misses and high-stakes matches. Entering as the defending champion, Sabalenka faces the challenge of securing her first Grand Slam title of the season amid a series of tough losses that have increased scrutiny on her performance.
Despite multiple opportunities this year, Sabalenka has yet to clinch a major trophy in 2025, adding to the pressure she faces at Flushing Meadows. Her Grand Slam run has included a loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, a defeat by Coco Gauff at the French Open, and falling short against Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals. With the US Open as the season’s final Grand Slam, the Belarusian star is poised for a crucial test.
Former world number one Lindsay Davenport highlighted the burden on Sabalenka compared to Coco Gauff when discussing their contrasting pressures leading into the tournament. Davenport explained,
She (Sabalenka) saw so many heartbreakers this year. She’s now going into the last major of the year and she has not won one yet this year. So, even more pressure on her. Little bit less on Gauff because, hey, she won Roland Garros. So, at least when the season’s over, she at least has one major. But when you get to the point where you are holding more than one grand slam, it becomes about winning more majors.
—Lindsay Davenport, Tennis Legend
Beyond mental challenges, Davenport also pointed out technical difficulties Sabalenka currently faces, especially with her backhand, noting,
Sabalenka, she got out-hit. Her backhand is a little bit of a mess right now. She’s going to have to figure out some technique there, use her legs more, but way too many errors from that side.
—Lindsay Davenport, Tennis Analyst
Meanwhile, albeit with less pressure, Coco Gauff has had issues with her serve recently. Davenport remarked,
And Gauff looked exasperated last night that this was still happening on her serve. And you just hope that that doesn’t come up when she’s at the US Open, when the pressure is even more there.
—Lindsay Davenport, Expert Commentary
Comparing the 2025 Campaigns of Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka
The 2025 seasons for Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka have taken distinctly different paths, especially in Grand Slam results. Gauff’s breakthrough year includes key victories and historic milestones, notably her triumph at Roland Garros, which positions her with less pressure heading into the US Open. Sabalenka, on the other hand, has shown consistent high-level performance but remains in pursuit of a major title this year.
Coco Gauff began 2025 by helping Team USA secure the United Cup, delivering a notable win over Iga Świątek in the final. Although she exited the Australian Open in the quarterfinals against Paula Badosa, she gained momentum by reaching finals in Madrid and Rome before capturing her second Grand Slam by defeating Sabalenka in a three-set battle at the French Open. Gauff’s victory made her the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win at Roland Garros. However, her Wimbledon campaign was disappointing, as she was eliminated in the first round by Dayana Yastremska.
Sabalenka’s year has been marked by success outside the Grand Slams, having secured three WTA titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, becoming the first player in 2025 to win three tour-level events. Despite this, the elusive Grand Slam trophy has slipped from her grasp, making the US Open her last chance to end the year with a major crown.
As the US Open kicks off, all eyes will be on Sabalenka to see if she can overcome both the expectations and her technical setbacks to defend her title. Meanwhile, Gauff’s US Open pressure is mitigated by her earlier Grand Slam triumph, though her serve remains an area to watch closely.
What’s at Stake for Both Players at the US Open
The 2025 US Open represents a pivotal moment for both Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, but the stakes differ profoundly. Sabalenka, as the reigning champion, faces the burden of breaking her streak of near misses and proving her resilience under pressure in New York. A victory here would cement her status as one of the sport’s elite and cap a year where she has shown immense potential but has yet to secure a Grand Slam.
For Gauff, the pressure is comparatively lighter as she already holds a major title this season, preserving her status as a rising star rather than a player chasing overdue glory. However, maintaining her form and overcoming serve-related challenges will be crucial if she hopes to build on her Roland Garros success and contend for another Grand Slam before the year closes.
Ultimately, the US Open is likely to define how the 2025 season is remembered for both athletes: a chance for Sabalenka to shake off the heartbreak and for Gauff to demonstrate that her breakthrough was no fluke but the start of sustained success at the highest level.