Aryna Sabalenka arrives at Wimbledon 2026 with a tough road ahead, having lost two of her four matches leading up to the tournament, including a 6-0 loss in the deciding set.
What's at stake for Aryna Sabalenka?
She has evolved her game over the past two years, adding an impressive drop shot and sharpening her skills at net, but her recent performances have been marred by losses, including a defeat to Jessica Pegula on grass at the Berlin Tennis Open.
Recent struggles
On June 3, Sabalenka lost 10 games in a row to end a disastrous French Open quarterfinal against Diana Shnaider, and her 4-6, 7-6(4), 0-6 loss to Pegula has raised concerns about her confidence heading into Wimbledon.
Wimbledon record
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2021, 2023, and 2025, but she has proven vulnerable against elite players, with a 1-4 record against top-10 players at the tournament.
Path to success
To succeed at Wimbledon, Sabalenka may need to find a way to let go of expectations and focus on her game, as she seeks to overcome her struggles on grass courts and claim her first Wimbledon title.
Competition
She will face stiff competition from other top players, including Iga Świątek, the defending women's champion, and Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who has risen to world No. 2 and looks to challenge Sabalenka for the top spot.
Key statistic
Sabalenka's recent losses have been marked by a lack of consistency, with her forehand and serve letting her down at critical moments, and she will need to address these issues if she is to make a deep run at Wimbledon.
Tournament preview
Wimbledon 2026 starts on Monday at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London, and fans can expect surprises and upsets as the top players battle it out for the title.
Sabalenka's chances
Despite her recent struggles, Aryna Sabalenka remains one of the top contenders for the Wimbledon title, and her ability to adapt and overcome her challenges will be key to her success in the tournament.