‘Don’t Think You Can Hold No. 1’ – Aryna Sabalenka Dealt With a Major Warning as Iga Swiatek Threat Looms After Coach’s Stern Advice

Ending the year as World No. 1 is both a prideful and pressurized achievement, and Aryna Sabalenka is embracing it all with confidence. After a sensational season filled with triumphs, including four titles—two of which were the Australian Open and US Open—she has proven her mettle. Although she didn’t secure the WTA Finals title, Sabalenka’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. This year, she has truly showcased a champion’s mindset and is ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

With a record of 71 matches this year, Sabalenka fulfilled her goal of finishing as World No. 1. Last year, she narrowly missed this opportunity, as her rival Iga Swiatek claimed the top spot. However, this year, Sabalenka rose to the challenge and ultimately took down Swiatek in their fierce competition for the ranking. She maintained her lead throughout the WTA Finals, proving her resilience in a sport where rankings can shift rapidly.
In an interview with Arab News following her Year-End No. 1 trophy presentation, Sabalenka and her coach, Anton Dubrov, reflected on their journey. They acknowledged the reality of holding such a coveted position. Dubrov remarked, “I don’t think you can hold the No. 1 ranking, to be honest,” emphasizing that strong contenders like WTA Finals Champion, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina are always vying for the top spot. He noted that while Sabalenka is prepared for challenges ahead, she won’t back down easily, “I think she’s more mature to understand what you need to do to be on this level.”