Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance at the U.S. Open reflects a relentless, high-pressure approach to competition, but her latest performances have left questions about whether she can recapture the mental and physical intensity that defined her recent victories. Analysts and former champions break down the factors behind her past success—including her aggressive baseline game and unshakable focus—and examine the challenges she now faces in sustaining that level of peak performance. With the stakes higher than ever, the debate centers on whether Sabalenka’s signature "empire state of mind" can overcome recent struggles in consistency and adaptability. The piece explores the balance between her signature power and the evolving demands of elite tennis.
Aryna Sabalenka’s U.S. Open titles are built on an empire state of mind. Can she find it again? nytimes.com
