Aryna Sabalenka Speaks About Losing No. 1 Spot to Elena Rybakina Ahead of Final

Aryna Sabalenka has reacted to losing the world No 1 ranking to Elena Rybakina after reaching the US Open 2026 final, with Sabalenka speaking about losing no 1 spot following her straight-sets victory over Jessica Pegula.

Sabalenka secured her place in the title match by beating Pegula, but her run in New York was not enough to prevent Rybakina from taking the top position. The Kazakh became the 30th world No 1 in WTA Tour history to reach the US Open semi-finals before defeating Coco Gauff to set up a final against Sabalenka.

Rybakina will remain at No 1 even if Sabalenka wins the final, meaning the Belarusian will begin the WTA Tour's Asian swing behind her rival in the rankings.

Sabalenka Praises Rybakina

Sabalenka acknowledged the difficulty of reaching the top of the rankings and accepted that her results during the middle part of the season had contributed to the change.

“I really understand how tough it is to reach world No. 1. It was one of my goals. But right now, not much I could do. I didn’t really perform well in the middle of the season,” Sabalenka said.

She also credited Rybakina for taking advantage of her opportunity and said she would focus on her own performance in the final rather than the rankings.

“Elena took it over and played really well,” she said of her upcoming US Open final opponent.

“She took away the number one position. Not much I can do about that.

“I can only focus on myself and stay in the moment and try to do my best right now. Just keep it tight and maybe I will take it back from her.”

Sabalenka admitted it was unusual to perform well at a Grand Slam and still lose the top ranking, but said she accepted the competitive nature of the sport.

“It does feel a bit weird you can perform well at the tournament and still be taken away the number one position. It’s okay. It’s sport. I love that. That’s the beauty of sport. Everyone chasing everyone. It’s all about little things you improve and get better at.”

The US Open final will give Sabalenka a chance to challenge Rybakina directly, although the outcome will not change the latter's position at the top of the rankings.