Sabalenka is brushing off alarm bells heading into the US Open. The two-time defending champion hasn't advanced past the fourth round in her last few tournaments, a drought that would concern most players. She's not one of them.
The world No. 1 has won this event twice already. She knows what it takes to perform on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows. Recent stumbles at other tournaments don't erase that pedigree or her ability to flip a switch when the slams arrive.
This is classic Grand Slam tennis. Regular tour results matter less than showing up ready when it counts. Sabalenka has proven at the US Open specifically that she has the game and the mentality to win. A few early exits elsewhere don't change her status as the favorite.
What we'll actually learn is whether her recent form signals a real decline or just noise before a major. The tournament itself will answer that question. Until then, taking Sabalenka at face value makes sense. She's won here twice. She's not panicking. There's no reason we should either.