Aryna Sabalenka becomes new World No.1 in women’s tennis after Iga Swiatek’s heartbreaking loss to Jelena Ostapenko at US Open

Sabalenka becomes only the second player from her country to be ranked No.1.

Aryna Sabalenka becomes new World No.1 in women’s tennis after Iga Swiatek’s heartbreaking loss to Jelena Ostapenko at US Open

(L) Iga Swiatek; (R) Aryna Sabalenka, (Via India today/ Tennis365)

Following a gripping turn of events at the US Open, a new champion has been crowned in Women’s tennis. For the first time in her career, Aryna Sabalenka has been crowned as the number 1 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The Belarusian achieved this title after the former world No.1 Iga Swiatek‘s heartbreaking loss at the US Open.

After a whopping 74-week reign, Iga Swiatek has finally been dethroned after she lost in the fourth round of the US Open against Jelena Ostapenko. This match started late at night, after Novak Djokovic‘s victory in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Iga had never beaten the Latvian player and still couldn’t. After winning the first set 6-3, Iga had set the tone of the match but soon couldn’t capitalize on the lead and lost the next 2 sets as well as the match to Jelena. The final score was 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

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The loss was significant for the Pole, as she had both the title and her number one spot on the line. With the loss, she has failed to defend the trophy as well as save her number one spot. With the window wide open for the first spot, Aryna was the next best contender, who was only 11 points behind Swiatek, and quickly grabbed the position. Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the most consistent players of WTA but hasn’t been able to pull it off together and win the No. 1 spot. 

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Related: US Open 2023: Aryna Sabalenka vs Daria Kasatkina Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream

New World No. 1 crowned as Iga Swiatek fails to defend her title

Iga Swiatek angry at herself
Iga Swiatek angry at herself (Via Hindustan Times)

After a devastating loss for former US Open winner Iga Swiatek, she lost her number one position to Aryna Sabalenka, who has been patiently waiting to grab the opportunity. This is a huge moment for the Belarusian as it makes her only the second player from her country to be ranked number 1 after Victoria Azarenka back in 2012.

The US Open continues to be full of surprises as there has been another major upset with Swiatek’s loss. However, this is a proud moment for the 25-year-old Sabalenka as her dream of being number 1 finally comes true, and is looking forward to achieving more in her career. The supposed Barbie girl of tennis, Aryna, now faces the Russian Daria Kasatkina in her round of 16 match. Aryna’s form in the US Open has been tremendous. It’s to be seen whether she can back up her form as well as the new title to pull off her first US Open title.

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