Sabalenka aims for US Open title after losing world No. 1 ranking

Aryna Sabalenka relinquished the world No. 1 ranking to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina after the latter’s victory at the Wimbledon Championships, which propelled Rybakina ahead in the WTA points race. Sabalenka, who had held the top spot for 15 weeks, fell to No. 2 as the points differential narrowed following her semifinal exit at the French Open and a quarterfinal loss in Berlin. The shift in rankings sets the stage for a high‑stakes encounter at the US Open final, where both players have navigated a demanding draw to vie for the title.

The US Open final offers Sabalenka an immediate opportunity to reclaim supremacy on the court, despite her recent ranking setback. Rybakina, riding the momentum of her Wimbledon triumph, will seek to extend her breakthrough season, while Sabalenka aims to capitalize on her powerful baseline game and recent improvements in consistency. The match will determine not only the tournament champion but also influence the forthcoming WTA rankings, with the winner poised to either consolidate or challenge the current hierarchy.