As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has made headlines with a heartfelt decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles event, a choice rooted in loyalty to her injured partner, Grigor Dimitrov. The Belarusian star, who is set to defend her women’s singles title at Flushing Meadows starting August 24, was poised to compete alongside Dimitrov in the revamped mixed doubles tournament, which offers a $1 million prize pot. However, Dimitrov’s withdrawal due to a pectoral injury sustained during Wimbledon has led Sabalenka to forgo the event entirely, despite offers from other players. “Well, there is a few guys who are asking, but, no, I don’t think so,” Sabalenka said with a smile, emphasizing her commitment to Dimitrov. “I’m a loyal person.” This bold move underscores her character and sets the stage for a focused singles campaign at the final Grand Slam of the year.
### A Partnership Forged by Persistence
Sabalenka and Dimitrov’s planned partnership for the US Open mixed doubles was a much-anticipated highlight, sparked by the Bulgarian’s relentless enthusiasm. “He was texting me, non-stop, begging me to play,” Sabalenka revealed with a laugh after advancing at the Berlin Tennis Open in June. Initially hesitant, she recalled, “I was like, ‘Man, I don’t want to play.’ But he was begging and I was like, ‘Ok, you got it.’” The duo, who previously teamed up at the 2022 World Tennis League exhibition in Dubai, had hoped to make amends for their loss there. Dimitrov’s eagerness to compete at Flushing Meadows was palpable, but his injury—a pectoral tear sustained during a grueling Wimbledon fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner—derailed those plans. “Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us,” Dimitrov wrote, reflecting on the “painful” moment that ended his streak of 58 consecutive Grand Slam appearances since 2011.
### A Revamped Tournament and a Missed Opportunity
The 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, scheduled for August 19-20 during Fan Week, features a new format with 16 teams, including eight direct qualifiers based on singles rankings and eight wildcard entries. With a star-studded lineup boasting pairings like Carlos Alcaraz-Emma Raducanu and Nick Kyrgios-Naomi Osaka, the tournament promised electrifying action. Sabalenka, a former world No. 1 in doubles and 2019 US Open women’s doubles champion with Elise Mertens, was a natural fit for the event. Her decision to withdraw, however, shifts her focus to the singles draw, where she aims to repeat her 2024 triumph over Jessica Pegula. “Sabalenka’s loyalty to Dimitrov is admirable, but it’s a missed opportunity for mixed doubles glory,” one analyst noted, highlighting the $1 million prize and the chance to add to her three Grand Slam titles.
### Cincinnati Success and Singles Focus
Sabalenka’s decision comes amid a stellar run at the Cincinnati Open, where she is defending her 2024 title. After a first-round bye, she dispatched former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1, followed by a hard-fought 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) victory over Emma Raducanu in a three-hour epic. Her latest win, a 6-1, 7-5 rout of Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, secured her quarterfinal spot against Elena Rybakina. “Elena, she’s a great player and we’ve had a lot of tough battles,” Sabalenka said, recalling their nail-biting Berlin clash in June, which she won 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(6). Her 50-9 record in 2025, including titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, underscores her form as she heads to New York.
### Loyalty Over Ambition
Sabalenka’s choice to skip mixed doubles, despite overtures from players like Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, reflects her deep sense of loyalty. “Well, several players have asked me to team up with them, but no, I don’t think so,” she reiterated in Cincinnati, shutting down speculation. Her bond with Dimitrov, forged through their Dubai experience and his persistent outreach post-Australian Open, has clearly influenced her stance. “He was explaining how it was before the US Open. But no one approached me, so I didn’t know if I was invited,” she said, recalling their decision to pair up in February. While some fans expressed disappointment at missing the dynamic duo, others praised her commitment. “Sabalenka’s loyalty is a breath of fresh air in a competitive sport,” a supporter commented.
### Looking Ahead to Flushing Meadows
With Dimitrov sidelined, Sabalenka’s focus now lies solely on the singles draw, where her powerful groundstrokes and relentless aggression make her a top contender. Her 7-4 head-to-head lead over Rybakina, including a 2023 Australian Open final win, bodes well for her Cincinnati campaign, a key US Open warm-up. The absence of mixed doubles allows her to conserve energy for a potential deep run, especially after her 2024 US Open title and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and French Open this year. Fans can watch her Cincinnati quarterfinal live on Sky Sports Tennis, with the US Open to follow on the same platform. As Sabalenka prepares to defend her crown, her loyalty to Dimitrov adds a compelling layer to her narrative, proving that for the world No. 1, heart and honor rival even the allure of Grand Slam glory.
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