Aryna Sabalenka believes being the top-ranked player in the game means that she is "doing something right," but admits there is also the pressure that comes with it.
After the 2023 US Open, Sabalenka reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. However, it was a short eight-week stint since she lost the Year-End No. 1 battle to Iga Swiatek.
For the most part of 2024, Swiatek owned the WTA throne. But then, Sabalenka managed to regain the top spot in 2024 October. Since then, there haven't been any changes at the top spot. And by going a full 2025 as the world No. 1, the 27-year-old Belarusian became only the seventh player to achieve the feat.
Of course theres pressure, but its also a privilege. Being No. 1 means youre doing something right. Ive learned to embrace that pressure instead of fearing it. I trust my preparation, my team and my game, and that helps me stay focused when expectations are high," Sabalenka told Gulf News.
When addressing the Polish tennis star's goals for 2026, coach Wim Fissette noted that the reigning Wimbledon champion would be out seeking multiple Grand Slam wins, as well as returning to the world No. 1 spot.
"The priorities are not changing. Iga wants to be the best in the world. We want to win a Grand Slam, hopefully more than one. We intend to be as close as possible to the No. 1 in the ranking," Fissette told Polish tennis journalist Dominik Senkowski in November.
Sabalenka enters 2026 with 10,870 ranking points under her belt, while Swiatek has 8,395.
This Monday, the Belarusian entered her 70th week as the world No. 1. Meanwhile, the Polish tennis star has enjoyed a total of 125 weeks at the top spot so far.
It will be interesting to see for how much more time Sabalenka can keep Swiatek away from the WTA throne.
