Aryna Sabalenka believes the prospect of winning Wimbledon and becoming world number is a distraction from her game.
Sabalenka has been in top form at Wimbledon so far, as the Belarusian player has progressed to the semi-finals and dropped just one set on the way. The 25-year-old once again showcased her strength and form by dispatching Madison Keys with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 win in the quarter-final.
Now Sabalenka will face Ons Jabeur in the semi-final as she aims to lift her second-ever Grand Slam, but she could also overtake Iga Swiatek at the top of the WTA Tour with just one more victory. Achieving a Grand Slam title and getting to world number one is the stuff of dreams, although, following her win over Keys, Sabalenka said she is not in dreamland just yet.
"To be honest, I want both (smiling). But I'm trying to focus on myself because I know if I'll start thinking about all this stuff, I'm going to lose my focus on court, my game. So I'm trying to focus on myself right now and make sure that every time I'm on the court I bring my best tennis."
"Then later on we'll see if I'm ready to become world No. 1 or if I'm ready to play another final."
Sabalenka's next match in the semi-final against Jabeur is likely to be her toughest contest yet. The Tunisian player trailed reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina by one set before hitting back and progressing to the final four in the quarter-finals.
However, Sabalenka will be confident following improved consistency in recent Grand Slams. In January, the 25-year-old won the Australian Open title, and she then reached the semi-finals at the 2023 Roland Garros.
The improvements now leave Sabalenka one win away from the women's number one spot as she would overtake Swiatek, who has held the top position in the rankings for 66 consecutive weeks.
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