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Aryna Sabalenka Embraces No.1 Ranking Pressure Because of Benefits Her Position Offers

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gouri Das | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 8:49 AM ET

Aryna Sabalenka is enjoying being a No.1 player, as she is also enjoying certain advantages because of her ranking. Sabalenka is in New York, bidding to defend her title, and has reached the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive time.

On Sunday (August 31), the Belarusian ace triumphed over Cristina Bucsa in straight sets. At the press conference later, Sabalenka addressed how it feels to be a World No.1 player.

For me, it’s essential to focus on my game and always try to bring out my best tennis, to be out there and just fight. If I do that, I know I will have my chances, for me, it’s always a fun life as long as you enjoy your work. Being World No. 1 opens many doors, you meet great people, you start collaborating with many brands, that’s the beauty of this sport. Being one of the best players gives you the opportunity to meet amazing people and helps you learn beyond tennis.

But Sabalenka’s ranking will be in danger. At present, she has 9655 points on the live rankings. In the second place stands Coco Gauff with 7874 points, while third-placed Iga Swiatek has 7743. If one of these players wins the tournament, it will only make Sabalenka’s stay at the top more difficult. The maximum points Gauff and Swiatek will win by clinching the US Open title are 9634 and 9503, respectively.

This season, Sabalenka has played seven finals and clinched three titles. Those finals also include the Australian Open and French Open, where Madison Keys and Gauff denied her those crowns. She has not yet reached a final since the Roland Garros. Before the US Open, she failed to defend her Cincinnati Masters title, losing to Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

Aryna Sabalenka on Coco Gauff versus Naomi Osaka match

Aryna Sabalenka, just like the entire tennis world, is excited for the US Open fourth-round clash between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. The match, scheduled on Monday (September 1), will see the two Grand Slam champions face each other for the sixth time in their careers.

Obviously, tennis is always there, even in the background. I like to watch some matches from time to time, I don’t deny it, even if it’s to analyze a bit what my rivals are doing. I don’t watch everything, but some things, I just like to follow the tournament a bit to find out what’s going on. Of course, I’m going to that match between Coco and Naomi. I’m very interested in seeing the level of play they can offer. I’m convinced it will be a great battle. Yes, I’m excited to watch that match.
Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference

Gauff holds a 3-2 head-to-head edge over the four-time Grand Slam champion, who last won a title at the 2021 Australian Open and, since then, lost three finals, including this year’s ASB Classic and the Canadian Open. In Montreal, Osaka lost to home favorite Victoria Mboko in three sets. Her performance helped her play a Grand Slam tournament once again as a seeded player.

The winner of the match will face Karolina Muchova or Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinals. Gauff or Osaka will only meet Sabalenka if they reach the final. The three-time Grand Slam singles champion has met Gauff 11 times and trails 5-6 in the head-to-head encounters. Against Osaka, Sabalenka lost the only match she has played against her so far.

But before that, Sabalenka will be focusing on her next match. She will be up against Marketa Vondrousova, who came from a set down to eliminate 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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