As the US Open kicks off in Flushing Meadows, The Run-Through co-host Nicole Phelps and Vogue senior editor Corey Seymour had the chance to sit down with women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Monday night. They recorded a special live episode from the Gucci store on Fifth Avenue.

“It’s been a season full of ups and downs,” Sabalenka admitted. “I’m working really hard to hopefully win the US Open for the third time.”

Since winning the US Open last year, a lot has changed for Sabalenka off the court. For one, she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, while wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt. “I cried for a moment because I looked terrible,” she recalled. “I wasn’t prepared. Girls will understand that, you know?” And then there’s the puppy: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ash (after Arthur Ashe Stadium, of course). If she wins the tournament again this year, Sabalenka teased, “I mean, Ash needs a friend…”

In addition to getting ready for the US Open, the athlete and Gucci ambassador is also thinking a lot about fashion. She wore all Gucci for her Vogue digital cover this year and sat front row at Demna’s fall 2026 show, alongside Romeo Beckham, Shawn Mendes, and Formula 1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

“I love Demna. I’ve always loved his work, and what he does is amazing,” she said. “The moment he joined the Gucci family, I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is it. It’s incredible.'”

Also on today’s episode, Nicole and Chloe talk about the sad passing of Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, reflecting on their favorite works from both artists. They also discuss Vogue’s Casa Magazines pop-up, where Chloe enjoyed horchata popsicles and spent time with Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere as they signed copies of the September Issue.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the podcast topic about Aryna Sabalenkas mindset heading into the US Open

General Context

1 What does Aryna Sabalenka mean by getting back on track
She means returning to her best form and winning mentality After a period where she felt her performance dipped or results werent up to her high standards she wants to refocus and play the aggressive dominant tennis that made her World No 1

2 Why is the US Open so important for her right now
Its a chance to defend her 2023 title and reclaim the World No 1 ranking Its also the last Grand Slam of the year so its her final opportunity to make a major statement in 2024

3 What has been her biggest struggle recently
The podcast likely discusses her inconsistency and occasional lapses in focus during crucial points Shes also been dealing with the pressure of being a top favorite which can lead to overthinking instead of relying on her natural power

4 Is she physically healthy going into the tournament
Yes the main takeaway is that she is physically fit and healthy Her back on track comment is more about her mental game and sharpness rather than recovering from an injury

Her Game Strategy

5 What does she need to fix technically to win the US Open
She needs to improve her firstserve percentage and cut down on unforced errors While her power is her biggest weapon the podcast suggests she needs to be smarter with her shot selection in rallies especially against defensive players

6 How is she planning to handle the New York crowd and pressure
Shes planning to embrace it The podcast highlights that shes focusing on enjoying the atmosphere and using the energy of the crowd to fuel her rather than letting the pressure of defending a title weigh her down

7 Who is her biggest threat at the US Open
The podcast likely points to Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff Swiatek is her main rival for the No 1 ranking and Gauff is the defending champion who thrives on the same hard courts

Mindset Practical Advice