Aryna Sabalenka joins elite company of all-time greats

The World No. 1 has been such a consistent presence in women's tennis that she has reached at least the semifinals in 11 of her last 12 majors, save for the 2024 French Open, where she lost in the quarterfinal. 

Sabalenka started the year by losing consecutive finals at the Australian Open (Madison Keys) and French Open (Coco Gauff), despite being the overwhelming favorite to win both majors. Thereafter, she was defeated by Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals at Wimbledon, once again in a match where she was heavily favored to win. 

The series of high-stakes losses — where she was the favorite — led some to question her mental toughness, with some even calling her a choker. Over the next few days, the 27-year-old can change that narrative about her by coming through under the brightest of lights. 

Sabalenka will get another crack to finish the year with a major title when she faces American Jessica Pegula in Thursday's semifinal. Sabalenka defeated Pegula in last year's final to capture her first U.S. Open title, to go with her two Australian Open championships.