I might take it back: Sabalenka ready for challenge #1 vs Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenkova has finally opened up about losing to world number one Elena Rybakin, admitting it was “a bit weird” performing well at the US Open as she watched the top spot slip away. However, the Belarusian refuses to dwell on the setback ahead of the blockbuster final against Rybakin.

Rybakina secured first place when she beat Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. The win ensured the Kazakh would replace Sabalenka at the top of the rankings, ending the Belarusian’s 99-week reign. Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff in the semi-finals to secure a place in the final.

Then at her press conference defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinals, Sabalenka acknowledged that Rybakina had done enough to rise to the top spot after her own mid-season slump in form.

“I really understand how hard it is to get to No. 1 in the world. It was one of my goals. But I haven’t been able to do much at the moment. I really didn’t perform well in the middle of the season. Elena took over and played really well,” Sabalenka said.

The 28-year-old has now reached her fourth US Open final in a row, giving herself the chance to finish the tournament with another Grand Slam title despite losing the rankings.

“I can just focus on myself and stay in the moment and try to do the best I can. Just hold it tight and maybe I’ll take it back from her,” she added.

SABALENKA ACCEPTS CHANGE NO.1

The timing of the order change made the situation particularly unusual. Sabalenkova was once again one of the standout players in New York and will defend her title in the final, but Rybakina’s run was enough to rob her of the top spot.

Sabalenkova admitted it was difficult for her to come to terms with, but insisted it was ultimately part of the competitive nature of tennis.

“It’s kind of weird to me that you can perform well in a tournament and still have the #1 spot taken away from you. That’s fine. It’s a sport. I like that. That’s the beauty of sports,” she said.

Rybakina had already closed the gap on the rankings prior to arriving in New York, and then made a decisive breakthrough as he reached the final. Her victory over Gauff means she will enter Saturday’s show as the newly crowned world number one.

RYBAKINA WAITS IN THE FINAL

The final now gives Sabalenka an immediate chance to face the player who replaced her at the top. Rybakina is chasing her first US Open title, while Sabalenkova is bidding for a third consecutive championship in New York.

Sabalenka knows the challenge that awaits her. Rybakina dominated the tournament with her serve and aggressive baseline, while her comeback against Gauffa showed she can handle the pressure when the matches are close.

For Sabalenka, however, the bigger picture is clear. The order can change again and she knows exactly what she needs to do to get back into contention.

“Everybody’s chasing everybody,” she said. “It’s all about the little things that you improve and get better at.”

On Saturday, the new world number one and her predecessor, the hunt for the US Open trophy, will meet on the biggest stage.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

11 Sep 2026 11:31 IST