Aryna Sabalenka has held the world No. 1 ranking for an impressive 96 consecutive weeks, a streak that began on October 21, 2024, increasing her total to 104 weeks at the top of the WTA rankings.
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The 28-year-old, who has won four Grand Slam singles titles, is determined to keep her position even as second-ranked Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan closes the gap in points. Sabalenka expressed that regardless of any potential change in her ranking, her status as a target for other players remains unchanged.
“You have the target on your back. Everyone wants to beat you,” Sabalenka noted, speaking as the top seed at the Cincinnati Open. “It doesn’t really matter what the ranking is when you go out there; people want to beat you.” She added that this pressure serves as extra motivation for other players to perform their best.
Despite her status, Sabalenka’s performance this year has faced scrutiny; she has not won a Grand Slam title in 2026, suffering several tough losses. These include giving up a 3-0 lead in the decisive set against Rybakina in the Australian Open final, Hailey Baptise’s comeback from six match points down in Madrid, and a lopsided third-set defeat to Diana Shnaider at Roland Garros, which left her questioning her career.
However, Sabalenka began the year with a title in Brisbane and achieved the rare Sunshine Double by winning in Indian Wells and Miami. Her standing on the all-time list for consecutive weeks at No. 1 is now sixth, placing her just behind Chris Evert, who leads with 113 weeks.
“I love it. I love having the target on my back,” she said during a rainy Wednesday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. She emphasized that inspiring the next generation is important to her, asserting that her influence would persist even if her ranking fluctuates.
As a two-time defending US Open champion, Sabalenka is preparing for her next Grand Slam opportunity at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. While she is aware of her past achievements, she aims to focus on the present and the work ahead.
“I try to stand in the present and do everything I can now,” she stated. "Of course, I have big opportunities. I’m enjoying my life. I’m enjoying the challenges. It's been a journey, a hell of a journey. But I enjoy it because it’s my journey.”