Aryna Sabalenka overtook Iga Swiatek for the world No. 1 ranking almost a year ago, and her hold on the top spot could be in jeopardy at the upcoming US Open.
Sabalenka currently leads the WTA rankings with 11,225 points- 3,292 ahead of Swiatek- but she’s defending 2,000 points as the reigning US Open champion. If those points are removed, her effective total drops to 9,225. Swiatek (7,503) and Coco Gauff (7,634), both within striking distance, could overtake her depending on results in New York.
Swiatek, riding momentum after title wins at Wimbledon and Cincinnati Open, enters the tournament in top form. Gauff, the defending US Open champion and just 59 points behind Swiatek, is also in the mix for the top spot.
If the Belarusisn fails to reach the quarterfinals- earning just 240 points or fewer- either Swiatek or Gauff could claim No. 1 by winning the tournament. However, if Sabalenka makes the quarterfinals (430 points), she will retain the No. 1 ranking regardless of other outcomes.
Asked about the No. 1 race, Swiatek downplayed the pressure.
“I don’t [think about it],” she said. “Aryna is having a great season as well. Honestly, this season hasn’t been easy, and I had many other things to worry about and improve.”
The Pressure On Aryna Sabalenka
No woman has successfully defended a US Open title since Serena Williams won three in a row from 2012 to 2014. Sabalenka is aiming to break that trend. “My thought is to change that,” she said Friday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “But, wow, that’s insane- how unpredictable women’s tennis is, right? Should we change it? Should we try at least to change it?”
Sabalenka admitted the pressure of defending a Slam title feels heightened in New York.“This place is so big- it feels bigger than the other Slams in some ways,” she said.
“Maybe defending champions come here and put too much pressure on themselves. But I feel like I’m experienced enough to focus on myself and try to replicate that result.”
At 27, Sabalenka said she has grown to appreciate the intensity and energy of the US Open after early struggles.
“The first times I came here, it felt too big, like the goal was so far away. But over the last five or six years, I’ve come to really enjoy this tournament. There’s something special about it- the atmosphere, the support- it’s just incredible.”
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka Find Rough Path At US Open
Sabalenka would be under pressure at the US Open. She has not won any grand slam tournament this season and New York is her only opportunity now. “Ideally, I’d love to finish the season with a Grand Slam and the world No. 1,” she said.
“But even if not, I’ll still think this season has been amazing. All of the tough lessons I’ve learned will only make me stronger. I’ll work even harder in the pre-season to make sure next year is a year of true success.”
