Aryna Sabalenka understood perfectly well that securing the US Open title was her only hope of preventing Elena Rybakina from seizing her spot as the world’s top-ranked player.
Yet even a victory might not suffice. As both competitors gear up for Saturday’s ultimate showdown, Sabalenka is mindful that her 99-week reign at the pinnacle of women’s tennis has reached its conclusion.
By securing her place in the semifinals, Kazakhstan’s Rybakina has already locked in her ascent to the number one ranking, displacing Sabalenka.
After previously defeating the Belarusian star to claim the Australian Open crown earlier this year, Rybakina is now in a position to deal another heavy blow.
However, this situation serves as additional inspiration for Sabalenka as they face each other for the fourth time this season.
“It will act like a red rag to a bull for her—she definitely won’t be pleased,” remarked ex-British number one Annabel Croft during a BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast.
“This gives her the perfect chance to finish the season on a highly positive note.”
Though she has triumphed over Rybakina in both Miami and Indian Wells following their Melbourne clash, Sabalenka remains focused on a historic milestone: aiming to become just the third female player of the Open era to capture three consecutive singles championships in New York.
The quadruple major winner’s semi-final triumph against third-seeded American Jessica Pegula marked her most impressive performance in recent memory, as she competed with a passion and liberation that had lately seemed absent.
Following the match, Sabalenka dismissed the gravity of dropping from the top spot, humorously claiming it was of no concern to her.
Nevertheless, it obviously matters to her, a sentiment echoed by her coach, Anton Dubrov, who detailed how much the ranking pressure had been weighing on her mind.
“I am actually pleased this [ranking loss] has transpired. The suspense is over, and it serves as fresh motivation,” Dubrov stated.
“There won’t be any further exhaustion [of mental focus] or constant dwelling on the situation.
“A new phase begins now. It is time to pursue the top spot once more. It gives you added drive. Now, just go out there and seize it.”
