US Open Champion Aryna Sabalenka Is Defending Her Title

Reigning US Open champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her breakout year in an exclusive Boardroom Cover Story interview with co-founder Rich Kleiman. Following her first Grand Slam win last September, Sabalenka has emerged as one of the most dominant and recognizable figures in tennis, and she opens up about the pressure of defending her US Open title, the emotional rollercoaster of elite competition, and the personal growth that comes with life at the top. She discusses the challenges of winning over American crowds during high-stakes matches like her victory against Jessica Pegula, the intense discipline required to maintain her No. 1 ranking, and the career-defining move of switching from IMG to Naomi Osaka’s agency, Evolve. Sabalenka also dives into the off-court aspects of her rising stardom, from expanded branding opportunities to how idols like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal helped shape her mindset and ambitions. She shares her goals for the future—both on the court and in life—as she aims to build a lasting legacy in women’s tennis while hoping to one day balance starting a family with continuing to compete at the sport’s highest level.