2025 US Open: Defending Champion Sabalenka Leads Star-Studded Field

The main-draw entry list for the 2025 US Open was officially announced on July 15, 2025, featuring an impressive lineup of 98 of the world’s top 99 players, poised to compete for the prestigious title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1 in the PIF WTA Rankings, heads the list, seeking to secure her second consecutive Grand Slam victory in this iconic tournament.

The tournament is set to begin on Sunday, August 24, 2025, marking the conclusion of the annual Grand Slam circuit. Sabalenka’s journey to the title has been notable; after reaching the semifinals in 2021 and 2022, and finishing as a finalist in 2023, she finally clinched the US Open trophy in 2024 by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final match. Despite her success at the US Open, Sabalenka has yet to capture a Grand Slam title in 2025.

The competition will be fierce this year, as all three current major champions—Madison Keys (Australian Open), Coco Gauff (Roland Garros), and Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon)—will also be competing for the coveted title. According to the WTA, the presence of these top athletes ensures a thrilling tournament atmosphere for spectators and fans alike.

The main draw includes a strong contingent of top-ranked players, with notable names such as Jessica Pegula, who was the runner-up last year, and rising stars like Mirra Andreeva, the reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, and Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova. The last direct entry into the main draw is World No. 99 Mayar Sherif. Notably, Ons Jabeur, the 2022 US Open runner-up currently ranked No. 71, is the only player from the top 99 not participating in the main draw.

This year’s tournament also allows for six players to enter using protected rankings, including two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who has announced that the 2025 US Open will be her final Grand Slam appearance. Other players utilizing protected rankings include Sorana Cirstea, Zhu Lin, Anastasija Sevastova, Wang Yafan, and Danka Kovinic.

Former champions in the draw include Sabalenka (2024), Gauff (2023), Swiatek (2022), Emma Raducanu (2021), and Naomi Osaka (2018 and 2020). The first alternates for the tournament are World No. 100 Leolia Jeanjean, Nuria Parrizas Diaz, Jil Teichmann, Alize Cornet, and Aoi Ito, with the 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu appearing further down the alternates list.

The full main-draw entry list can be accessed on the official US Open website, providing fans with a comprehensive overview of the competitors and matchups to anticipate. As the tournament draws closer, excitement builds around what promises to be a highly competitive and memorable US Open, showcasing the best in women's tennis on a global stage.

Stay tuned for continued coverage and updates leading into the tournament, including player interviews and match analyses.

In summary, the 2025 US Open is set to be a historic event, featuring top-tier talent and an engaging lineup, further solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the world of tennis.