Just In: Make this topic more dramatic: Aryna Sabalenka issues shocking message as Elena Rybakina closes in on her number one ranking, ‘I have no fear’
Aryna Sabalenka, for years now, has been the undisputed world number one.
However, for what feels like the first time in forever, that title is now under threat.
Yet another underwhelming Grand Slam season, partnered with a handful of shock early exits, has meant the Belarusian has lost ground in the race to finish 2026 at the top of the world rankings.
Meanwhile, buoyed by her Australian Open title at the start of the campaign, Elena Rybakina is drawing closer
It feels like this really could go down to the wire, especially given Aryna Sabalenka will have to defend title points at the US Open.
Despite how daunting the task may seem, she remains undeterred.
Aryna Sabalenka discusses the race for world number one with Elena Rybakina
Speaking at her Cincinnati Open press conference ahead of the event, where she could realistically lose the top spot in the WTA rankings, Sabalenka was asked about whether she reflects on her career and dominance with fondness.
However, she instead argued: “I don’t want to stop and look back. Every time I try to, I get a little bit crazy and emotional because it took a lot of work and a lot of tough moments to go through.
“I try to focus on staying present and doing everything I can now.”
Then, discussing her struggles this season, Sabalenka added: “This summer, I had huge expectations that I’d succeed in the tournaments, and I desperately wanted to. But my body stopped me from that, and some things didn’t really work my way.
“I wanted to stay away from tennis for a little bit just so I could refresh, restart and be hungry again.
That’s why I love this time (of the season). There are no expectations. I’ll just go out there, compete and fight.”
She concluded with fighting talk regarding the race for world number one: “Everyone wants to beat you. I feel like it’s the same if you’re No. 1, No. 2 or No. 10. It doesn’t really matter what the ranking is.
“I’ve always enjoyed that. I love having the target on my back. I have no fear. That’s what I plan to do: compete, fight and enjoy.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s draw at the Cincinnati Open
Should Rybakina win the Canadian Open final against Iga Swiatek later tonight, she will cut the deficit between herself and Sabalenka to just four points in the race for world number one.
The Cincinnati Open has arguably never been so important for the WTA Tour.
So, a strong run will be crucial for Sabalenka to ward off the Kazakhstan star, even if the US Open will confirm her fate.
She will open in Ohio with a match against either Talia Gibson or a qualifier.
Then, she is expected to face either Donna Vekic or Xinyu Wang in the third round.
Ironically, her conqueror in Canada, Ekaterina Alexandrova, is one of a few possible options for a Round of 16 match-up, with it likely to be her or two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejčíková
