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Sabalenka defends world ranking and title at 2026 US Open amid field injuries

World number one Aryna Sabalenka faces ranking pressure at Flushing Meadows as Carlos Alcaraz returns from injury and Jannik Sinner sits out.

Updated Aug 30, 2026 · 05:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

Aryna Sabalenka enters the 2026 US Open defending 2,000 ranking points and her top ranking amid competition from Elena Rybakina.
Carlos Alcaraz returns to action after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, while world competitor Jannik Sinner is sidelined with a knee issue.
Novak Djokovic enters the tournament seeking a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

Aryna Sabalenka is defending 2,000 ranking points at the US Open to maintain her 99-week run as world number one.[BBC News]
Elena Rybakina trails Sabalenka by 434 ranking points heading into the tournament.[BBC News]
Carlos Alcaraz is returning to competition following a four-month absence caused by a wrist injury.[BBC News]
Jannik Sinner was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.[BBC News]
Novak Djokovic is competing to secure a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.[BBC News]

Elena Rybakina's match readiness remains uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained during the Cincinnati quarter-finals.[BBC News]