Business · Singapore Bureau
Sabalenka willing to relinquish top ranking for third US Open title
World number one Aryna Sabalenka says winning a third consecutive US Open championship would compensate for potentially losing her top ranking. The Belarusian's position at the summit of women's tennis is no longer entirely within her control.
LSN Singapore ·
NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka has indicated she would readily trade her world number one ranking for a third successive US Open championship, acknowledging that circumstances beyond her control may determine whether she retains the top spot.
The Belarusian star's comments come as she pursues back-to-back-to-back titles at the year's final Grand Slam tournament. Sabalenka won the US Open in 2023 and 2024, establishing herself as the dominant force on the American hard courts.
While Sabalenka remains confident in her ability to capture another title in New York, the mathematician's equation for retaining her number one ranking has become increasingly complex. Her grip on the top position now depends partly on the results of other competitors in the tournament and beyond.
The 26-year-old's pragmatic stance reflects the realities of professional tennis, where Grand Slam victories carry immense prestige and lasting legacy value. A third consecutive US Open triumph would cement Sabalenka's status as one of the tournament's most formidable champions in recent memory.
Sabalenka's willingness to accept a potential ranking slip underscores how she views the hierarchy of tennis achievements, with major championship success superseding the importance of holding the number one ranking.