Sabalenka Eyes US Open Revenge After Losing Number One Ranking to Rybakina
- Aryna Sabalenka has lost her world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina, but the Belarusian player now has an immediate chance at revenge in the US Open final,...
- Sabalenka entered the tournament in New York knowing that defending her crown might not even be enough to stop Rybakina from overtaking her, according to the article.
- Anton Dubrov Sabalenka's coach, Anton Dubrov, echoed those sentiments regarding the end of her lengthy stay at the top.
Aryna Sabalenka has lost her world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina, but the Belarusian player now has an immediate chance at revenge in the US Open final, according to the article. Rybakina secured the top spot in the WTA rankings by reaching the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the summit of women’s tennis.
Chasing the Title and Ranking After a 99-Week Reign
Sabalenka entered the tournament in New York knowing that defending her crown might not even be enough to stop Rybakina from overtaking her, according to the article. Kazakhstan’s Rybakina claimed the number one ranking after advancing to the final four. The pair are now set to meet in the Saturday championship match, setting up their fourth encounter of the season.
Former British number one Annabel Croft told BBC Radio 5 Live that the ranking shift will serve as powerful motivation. Croft stated that it will act like a red flag to a bull for her and that she will be unhappy, while also noting that Sabalenka now has the opportunity to end the year on a high note.
I actually like this happened. It’s ended and it’s extra fuel.
Anton Dubrov
Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, echoed those sentiments regarding the end of her lengthy stay at the top. There is no more extra draining or thinking about it, Dubrov said, noting that his player now has a clear path forward to chase the leaders again.
Recent Form and Hard-Court Rivalry History
Rybakina holds a significant head-to-head win over Sabalenka earlier this year, having fought back from a 3-0 deficit in the deciding set to claim the Australian Open title 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. However, Sabalenka bounced back in subsequent hard-court meetings, securing victories against Rybakina at both Indian Wells and Miami.
Sabalenka is bidding to join exclusive company in New York. If she wins the final, she will become only the third woman in the Open era to capture the New York singles title for three consecutive years. Her path to the final included a straight-sets victory over American third seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, which was described as her finest display in months.
High-performance coach Jason Stacy noted that Sabalenka’s team maintained a steady approach despite early-season struggles that saw her blow leads in tournaments like the French Open, Madrid, and Rome. Stacy explained that they simply give her space to be herself and assist her in figuring out what might work for her at the present moment.
Rybakina’s Remarkable Recovery to Reach the Final
Rybakina’s journey to the final appeared in doubt just weeks prior when she suffered an ankle injury during the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals that left her unable to walk for several days, according to the article. Despite the physical setback, the 2022 Wimbledon champion recovered in time to navigate her early rounds at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina relied heavily on a dominant service game during her opening four matches before securing victories over China’s Zheng Qinwen and home favourite Coco Gauff. With her ranking ascent already guaranteed, the 27-year-old now has the chance to add a second major title of the season at Sabalenka’s expense.