Sabalenka On Trying To Keep The World No.1 Ranking: 'I Can Handle Anything'

| by Jake Davies

Aryna Sabalenka is soon to be crowned the new World No.1 player at the end of the US Open, and she was defiant in her answers as to what it will take to stay there.

Sabalenka has made it into the US Open semi-finals without dropping a single set this tournament. The obvious overbearing power is still there for all to see, but she has also harnessed her weapons quite well this fortnight additionally.

The Belarusian has ticked quite a few boxes in terms of scoring big achievements in the last three seasons and she has spent just shy of three seasons inside the Top 10 in the WTA rankings already.

Swiatek Vows To Fight Back With 'Clean Slate' After Losing Number One Spot
Swiatek Vows To Fight Back With 'Clean Slate' After Losing Number One Spot

However, Sabalenka is entering a completely different phase of her career now. Being a Top 10 player for a long time is a very different feeling to being the player everyone wants to beat and trying to keep her place at the top of the rankings. Suddenly, in those situations, the player feels like they have a lot more to lose, and that is where the pressure inevitably rises.

The Belarusian was asked in her most recent post-match press conference about how she is handling being the newly-crowned World No.1, following Iga Swiatek's exit from the tournament in the fourth round.

"This is just sport. We are here pushing each other to the limits, and we're here getting better every day. You know, I'm super happy with this achievement in my career but it is not a big change. It is just a difference in position in the draw. I still have to bring my best tennis. I still have to play my best. People will try to, yeah, just try to chase me and get me."

Understandably, Sabalenka is trying to normalise the situation and is almost downplaying the enormity of her achievement, but going forward, it will be interesting to see how she handles the even greater expectations.

Swiatek held the No.1 ranking for a total of 75 weeks, and as much as she sometimes made it look easy, even the Pole talked about the mental obstacles she faced during that timeframe.

Sabalenka spoke about the additional motivation the No.1 ranking now gives her as she approaches potentially winning her second major title in singles.

"It is just an extra motivation for me. You know, seeing them trying their best to beat me. It is like an extra power and energy for me to keep playing and keep pushing. I just keep telling myself and reminding myself that I have been through a really tough situation and I can handle anything."

Medvedev Eliminates Best Friend Rublev In US Open Quarterfinal
Medvedev Eliminates Best Friend Rublev In US Open Quarterfinal

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles