Sabalenka Tries To Deflect World No. 1 Pressure Ahead Of Australian Open Defense
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Aryna Sabalenka might be the WTA World No. 1 player, but that doesn't mean that she likes the pressure associated with it.
Being the World No. 1 player is challenging. Ranking-wise, a player ranked No. 1 can't be an outsider in any match, which creates a lot of pressure, as that player is then expected to win virtually every match.
That's currently Sabalenka's position, as she's the highest-ranked player on the WTA Tour. She took over the spot also thanks to Iga Swiatek's doping ban, which didn't allow her to compete at three events during the Asian swing.
However, the Belarusian's No. 1 rank will be under threat already at the 2025 Australian Open, which is the first Grand Slam tournament of the new season, starting on January 12th.
The reason is simple. She won the event last year, which means that she has to defend 2,000 points for her triumph. Both are currently competing at tournaments, which will impact their points heading into the Australian Open, but regardless of that, Swiatek would end up being the World No. 1 player after the Australian Open if Sabalenka wouldn't reach further round than her rival.
That puts Sabalenka under double pressure. Not only is she the World No. 1 player, but her rank will also be under threat, which is why she will face plenty of questions about her situation, and one of those came already at the 2025 Brisbane International.
Sabalenka was asked about her World No. 1 spot, saying that for her, it doesn't matter what her ranking is. She wants to perform on the court, which she managed to do in her opening match in Brisbane.
"Let's talk about that after Australian swing, okay? I don't want to talk ahead, then lose everything in first round, be not in a good place (smiling). But, no, it doesn't make any difference."
"Like doesn't matter what's your ranking. Anyway, you have to go there, compete, fight, do your best. It doesn't matter whether you're 1, 2, 3, or 100."
At the same time, Sabalenka is aware of the fact that she managed to win three out of the last four hard-court Grand Slam titles, and she played in the final of the only one that she didn't win.
That puts her in a position that allows her to enter majors confident, which she also acknowledged, knowing that she now proved that she can win a Grand Slam not only once, but three times.
"No, definitely, I've got some confidence on the Grand Slams. I know that I'm capable of so many things, that I'm able to hold that beautiful trophy. It's good to know that. But there is still a way to go. A lot of things have to be done. I just prefer to focus step by step."
"It's good to know that you have this ability to win the Australian Open, but you better focus on yourself, improving yourself every day, yeah, do your best and hope for the best. That's my mentality going into the Australian Open."
