Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Sabalenka Eyes US Open Three-Peat After Losing No.1 Ranking
Aryna Sabalenka is a tennis player who was recently ranked No.1 in the world.
Elena Rybakina took that ranking after playing well and after Sabalenka had a weaker part of the season.
Sabalenka has now reached the US Open final.
She beat Jessica Pegula in the semifinal.
Her opponent in the final will be Rybakina.
Sabalenka said it feels strange to play well in a tournament but still lose the top ranking.
She plans to focus on the match instead of worrying about the ranking.
If she wins, she will become only the third player in the Open Era to win three US Open titles in a row.
Aryna Sabalenka lost the World No.1 ranking to Elena Rybakina after a mid-season dip in form.
Sabalenka reached her fourth US Open final by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
She will face Rybakina in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, as per IST.
Sabalenka said losing the top ranking despite performing well at the tournament felt “a bit weird.”
A victory would give Sabalenka a third straight US Open title, joining Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only Open Era players to achieve that feat.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are the finalists; Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in the semifinal.
- What
- Sabalenka discussed losing the World No.1 ranking while pursuing a third straight US Open title.
- When
- The final is scheduled for Sunday, as per IST; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- The final will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Rybakina took the top ranking after playing well, while Sabalenka said she did not perform well in the middle of the season.
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Rybakina’s Position
World No.1 ranking
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Sabalenka said losing the ranking felt “a bit weird,” but acknowledged that her mid-season performances were not strong enough and that there was little she could do.
Rybakina’s Position
Rybakina earned the top position after taking advantage of her strong form and playing well.
Final challenge
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Sabalenka said she is ready to fight and do everything necessary to win the title.
Rybakina’s Position
Sabalenka described Rybakina as a difficult opponent because of her big serve and improved baseline game.
- Final matchup
- Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina.
- Semifinal result
- Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
- Final venue
- Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York.
- Ranking change
- Elena Rybakina took the World No.1 ranking from Sabalenka.
- Sabalenka’s objective
- She is seeking a third consecutive US Open title.
- Historical comparison
- Only Chris Evert and Serena Williams have won at least three straight US Open titles in the Open Era.