Pakistan, Aug. 29 -- Aryna Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman since Serena Williams to capture three consecutive titles at the US Open, though a sharp dip in form has clouded what once looked like an inevitable march toward the milestone.

Back-to-back titles forged by a powerful and precise game established the 28-year-old as the dominant force at Flushing Meadows, where no woman has enjoyed a comparable run since American great Williams won three in a row from 2012-14.

Sabalenka looked poised to tighten her grip on the women's game following hardcourt triumphs at Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami but her momentum has suddenly stalled, with a 17-7 win-loss record since April underlining a loss of consistency.

With Sabalenk...