Aryna Sabalenka admits she will feel “more confident” if she can finish the year as World No.1 for the first time
Belarusian ace Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to end the year as World No. 1 by winning the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
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Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)
Aryna Sabalenka became WTA World No. 1 for the first time in a year a few weeks ago. The Belarusian overtook Iga Swiatek, who was absent for the entirety of the Asian swing.
However, with a slim 40-point lead, Sabalenka will next compete in a must-win WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old began the year on a high after claiming her first title of the season at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka experienced a difficult spell after that but got back to playing her best during the clay season. However, she could win a title as she was stopped by Swiatek, who defeated her in the Madrid and Italian Open finals.
It was during the North American hard court swing that she enjoyed a remarkable run, winning the Cincinnati Open and then the US Open. She continued that momentum in the Asian swing, where she reached the quarterfinals of the China Open and then won the Wuhan Open, beating home favorite Qinwen Zheng in the final.
With that victory, Sabalenka became the women’s singles No. 1 for the first time this season. However, she has revealed that she will feel better about being in the position if she finishes the year on top of the rannkings.
Yeah, I actually didn’t know that’s what’s going to happen. I was like, How? What happened? Where she lost this hundred points or whenever? It’s tricky. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t know anything in that moment. Whatever, I’ll take it. As I always say, I want to finish the year as world No. 1, then I’ll be like okay, I’ll be more confident on saying I’m world No. 1, not because someone lost hundred points and that’s how I became world No. 1.
Aryna Sabalenka said (via WTA Finals Riyadh Press)
Aryna Sabalenka says she’ll feel better about being world #1 if she can finish the year as the world #1, ‘I'll be more confident on saying I'm world No. 1, not because someone lost 100 points’
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 1, 2024
“When you went back to No. 1 the other day, some people were surprised because the… pic.twitter.com/70az6Sl5nS
Sabalenka is the favorite to claim the WTA Finals. However, it will not be easy for her, with Swiatek looking forward to returning to action for the first time since hiring Wim Fissette as her new coach.
Aryna Sabalenka believes that hosting the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia could inspire women to play tennis
Early this year, the debate on whether Saudi Arabia should host the WTA Finals reached its climax. Several legends, including Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, criticized the move, claiming it would destroy the sport. Despite the backlash, the Middle Eastern country was awarded the hosting rights.
During her press conference, Aryna Sabalenka was asked whether she had any issues with the country hosting the tournament. She stated she doesn’t have any issues and hopes that it might inspire women to play tennis.
Personally, I don’t have any issues playing here. I think it’s really important to bring tennis all around the world and to inspire the young generation. The effort they put into women’s sport here is incredible. I’m really impressed. I’m really happy to be here and to be part of I would say some sort of history here.
Aryna Sabalenka said
Sabalenka has been handed a tough group at the WTA Finals. She will face Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, and Qinwen Zheng for a place in the semifinals.
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Victor Okechukwu
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