By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, September 11, 2024
NEW YORK—Reaching the world No. 1 ranking is a realization of a dream for Aryna Sabalenka.
Holding the season-ending top spot is Sabalenka's primary goal.
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The Australian Open champion fell to Coco Gauff in the US Open final on Saturday, but officially assumes the world No. 1 ranking today.
Sabalenka, who has posted a 50-11 record, is seeking to register a 51-win season for the first time in her career. Sabalenka said she wants to show staying power at the top.
"Becoming a World No. 1, it's a huge improvement, and achievement, actually," Sabalenka said. "I'm really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become World No. 1.
"But, you know, like, for me it's more about end the year as World No. 1, not just like become World No. 1 and then next week you're second. It's good so that I can say I have been World No. 1, but I really would like to finish the year as World No. 1. That's why I'm, like, still positive, and I'm still motivated."
Photo credit: Brad Penner/USTA/US Open