India, Aug. 29 -- There are three possible outcomes from the women's singles draw at the US Open.

Aryna Sabalenka could become the first player since Serena Williams in 2014 to complete a hat-trick of titles in New York. The other option is that Sabalenka will be dethroned of the world No.1 spot she has held for nearly 100 consecutive weeks.

Or both - Sabalenka could win and yet still lose her spot at the top of the WTA rankings.

Given the way the 2026 calendar year started, these unexpected circumstances have led to the buildup of the season's last Grand Slam. And in the coming fortnight at the Billie Jean King Tennis Centre in Flushing Meadows, the culmination of these twists and turns will make for intriguing storylines.

At the sta...