Aryna Sabalenka believes being the top-ranked participant within the recreation signifies that she is "doing one thing proper," however admits there’s additionally the strain that comes with it.
After the 2023 US Open, Sabalenka reached the world No. 1 rating for the primary time in her profession. Nonetheless, it was a brief eight-week stint since she misplaced the 12 months-Finish No. 1 battle to Iga Swiatek.
For essentially the most a part of 2024, Swiatek owned the WTA throne. However then, Sabalenka managed to regain the highest spot in 2024 October. Since then, there haven't been any modifications on the high spot. And by going a full 2025 because the world No. 1, the 27-year-old Belarusian turned solely the seventh participant to realize the feat.
“After all there’s strain, however it’s additionally a privilege. Being No. 1 means you’re doing one thing proper. I’ve realized to embrace that strain as an alternative of fearing it. I belief my preparation, my workforce and my recreation, and that helps me keep centered when expectations are excessive," Sabalenka advised Gulf Information.
Sabalenka warned by Swiatek's coach concerning the world No. 1 rating
When addressing the Polish tennis star's targets for 2026, coach Wim Fissette famous that the reigning Wimbledon champion could be out searching for a number of Grand Slam wins, in addition to returning to the world No. 1 spot.
"The priorities will not be altering. Iga desires to be one of the best on this planet. We wish to win a Grand Slam, hopefully multiple. We intend to be as shut as potential to the No. 1 within the rating," Fissette advised Polish tennis journalist Dominik Senkowski in November.
Sabalenka enters 2026 with 10,870 rating factors underneath her belt, whereas Swiatek has 8,395.
This Monday, the Belarusian entered her seventieth week because the world No. 1. In the meantime, the Polish tennis star has loved a complete of 125 weeks on the high spot to date.
Will probably be fascinating to see for the way way more time Sabalenka can hold Swiatek away from the WTA throne.
