Aryna Sabalenka returns to New York as the two-time defending US Open champion and world number one, seeking to rediscover her form after a dip in results following her 'Sunshine Double' sweep of Indian Wells and Miami. With 2,000 ranking points to defend at Flushing Meadows and Elena Rybakina closing to within 434 points, Sabalenka must win the title to extend her 99-week run at the top of the WTA rankings. She acknowledged recent struggles, citing losses to Sara Bejlek in Cincinnati and Ekaterina Alexandrova in Toronto, but expressed confidence in her ability to rebound on hard courts where she has won four Grand Slam singles titles.

Sabalenka emphasized her focus on mental resilience, stating she is working to reset her mind and come back stronger. The path to the number one ranking remains open for Rybakina, who could ascend without winning the title if Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, or Coco Gauff fail to triumph. Pegula, a 2024 finalist, aims to leverage her recent final appearances in Washington and Cincinnati, while Gauff returns to New York with renewed confidence after her 2023 US Open win.

The top 10 is noted for its depth, with multiple players holding Grand Slam or WTA 1,000 titles.