The Exhausting Tennis Calendar: Stars Face Burnout at the US Open

Aryna Sabalenka Confronts Form Crisis Ahead of Flushing Meadows

World number one Aryna Sabalenka enters the US Open facing a stark dip in form and confidence. Once nearly untouchable on the tour, the top-ranked star has struggled to find her footing since April following a series of physical setbacks. Even though those physical ailments were resolved, a lingering crisis in her play and confidence remained.

Her frustration peaked during the summer swing. “Tan solo quiero emborracharme y olvidarme del tenis,” Sabalenka admitted in July after her exit at Wimbledon, translated to a desire to step away and clear her head. Subsequent early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati did little to steady her momentum, leaving the tour leader searching for answers on the hard courts of New York.

Carlos Alcaraz Grinds Through Double Training Sessions

While the women’s top ranking faces turbulence, Carlos Alcaraz spent the final days before the tournament sharpening his game. According to on-the-ground reports, Alcaraz undertook a rigorous double training session on Saturday against Russian player Karen Khachanov. He first hit on the practice court traditionally favored by Rafael Nadal before moving to the main stadium court.

Alcaraz worked under the close supervision of his entire coaching team alongside Davis Cup captain David Ferrer. Alcaraz will not participate in the upcoming Davis Cup series scheduled for September 19 and 20 in Santiago de Chile.

Tournament Expansion and the Schedule Debate

The start of the US Open on Sunday highlights a broader structural shift across professional tennis. Following a trend initiated in 2025 to extend the overall duration of major tournaments, the Australian Open and Roland Garros have similarly lengthened their schedules. Wimbledon remains the lone Grand Slam holding firm to a traditional Monday start.

Spanish Contingent Opens Campaign on Day One

Sunday’s opening day features four Spanish male representatives taking to the hard courts, with no Spanish women scheduled for the initial slate. The opening-day matchups include:

• Dani Mérida facing Marton Fucsovics
• Jaume Munar meeting Terence Atmane
• Martín Landaluce squaring off against Jacob Fearnley
• Pablo Carreño playing Jiri Lehecka

With unpredictable form lines, physical exhaustion, and schedule pressures defining the build-up, the major promises unpredictable outcomes across both draws.