US Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka's projected path to final ft. potential SF with Coco Gauff
Aryna Sabalenka came very close to winning her maiden US Open title last year but came up short in the final against Coco Gauff. Twelve months on, she will once again be bidding for the title.
As the second seed, the Belarusian will be among the title favorites. Sabalenka, however, finds herself in a packed field led by Iga Swiatek, Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini.
With main draw action set to begin soon, here's a quick glance at Sabalenka’s 2024 US Open draw:
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open first round opponent - Qualifier
Sabalenka has been afforded a little breathing room by the draw and she will open her 2024 US Open campaign against a qualifier. The qualification rounds are still underway.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected second round opponent - Lulu Sun
Wimbledon breakout star Lulu Sun will likely be Sabalenka’s second round opponent, provided the former comes through her opener against Lucia Bronzetti.
The Kiwi showcased her temperament and an explosive forehand en route to the Wimbledon quarterfinal and could ask a few questions of last year’s finalist. It will be a first-time meeting.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected second round opponent - Ekaterina Alexandrova
Fans can brace for fireworks in the third round as Sabalenka is projected to take on fellow big-hitter Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 29th seed.
The duo’s similarly power-packed games have clashed on six past occasions and fittingly, their head-to-head stands at 3-3. One of them would take the lead if the encounter were to materialize.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected fourth round opponent - Madison Keys
Sabalenka’s bracket is one filled with the most firepower as another fast, flat-hitting name, Madison Keys, potentially awaits her in the fourth round.
The American is a former finalist and enjoys playing on home soil. She has also regained her form in 2024, winning an eighth title in Strasbourg and returning to the top 15. She trails Sabalenka in their head-to-head 1-3.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected QF opponent - Zheng Qinwen
A possible rematch of the Australian Open finals could occur in the quarterfinal with Sabalenka projected to run into Zheng Qinwen.
The Chinese may not have been in with a chance back in Melbourne, but she has made improvements since then. Now an Olympic champion and a regular feature in the top 10, she will look to avenge the loss and improve her 0-2 head-to-head against the Belarusian.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected SF opponent - Coco Gauff
Sabalenka could run into defending champion Coco Gauff in the semifinal in what would be a repeat of last year’s title match.
The Belarusian led that encounter by a set and a break but could not close it out. Twelve months on, she may have a chance to reverse that result and level her 3-4 head-to-head against the American.
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open projected Final opponent - Iga Swiatek
Fans will have to wait all fortnight for a chance to witness the 13th installment of the Aryna Sabalenka - Iga Swiatek rivalry.
The duo recently played at the Cincinnati Open with Sabalenka winning in the semifinal 6-3, 6-4. The win ended the Belarussian’s three-match losing streak to the World No. 1 and improved her head-to-head to 4-8.