Aryna Sabalenka enters as defending champion and bookmaker favorite despite patchy recent hard-court results, including round-of-16 exits at Wimbledon, Toronto, and Cincinnati. Elena Rybakina’s Achilles injury forced an early retirement in Cincinnati and leaves her US Open participation uncertain, widening the field. Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff arrive with stronger current form on the surface, while Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula remain consistent threats. The main draw begins August 30 after qualifying concludes, with the bracket revealed August 27; late fitness updates and early-round matchups will shape which players advance to the final four on the New York hard courts.