Aryna Sabalenka Sets Sights on World No. 1 Spot Following US Open Triumph, Hungry for Success
In a thrilling final at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over Jessica Pegula to claim the women’s singles title. Sabalenka, who has now secured two Grand Slam victories this season, expressed her hunger to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. Despite currently sitting behind Iga Swiatek at world No. 2, Sabalenka remains determined to make her way to the top.
The Belarusian’s absence from Wimbledon due to injury proved to be a blessing in disguise as it provided her with the opportunity to “recharge” for the demanding hard-court season. Sabalenka’s resilience and determination were on full display in her triumph over Pegula in the final, drawing her closer to Swiatek in the race to the WTA Finals.
Sabalenka’s recent success has narrowed the gap between her and Swiatek to 409 points in the WTA Finals standings, while she trails by 2,169 points in the world rankings over the past year. Reflecting on her journey to the top, Sabalenka spoke about her previous experience as world No. 1, a title she hopes to reclaim in the near future.
Last season, Sabalenka briefly held the top spot after the US Open, only to be overtaken by Swiatek at the WTA Finals, who finished the year as the No. 1 player. Looking ahead, Swiatek faces the challenge of defending 2,600 points for the remainder of the season, while Sabalenka has a less daunting 840 points to maintain.
In a recent interview with the WTA Insider podcast, Sabalenka shared her determination to continue improving and striving for excellence. She stressed the importance of focusing on her own development rather than fixating on specific goals. Following her US Open victory, Sabalenka emphasized the need for some well-deserved time off to savor her win and recharge for the upcoming challenges.
The 2024 season has not been without its obstacles for Sabalenka, making her triumph at the US Open all the more satisfying. Her perseverance through personal and professional challenges has only fueled her desire to reach new heights in the world of tennis. As she basks in the glory of her recent victory, Sabalenka remains focused on the journey ahead, knowing that every obstacle only serves to strengthen her resolve and propel her towards greater success.
