"It's not about ranking": Aryna Sabalenka reflects on losing World No. 1 and examines ups and downs of season

Aryna Sabalenka reflected on losing her World No. 1 ranking after Iga Swiatek's victory at the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun.

The 25-year-old overtook Swiatek in the WTA Ranking in September but her rival was able to win the top spot back at the 2023 WTA Finals. The Polish player's fourth-round exit at the US Open two months ago saw her lose the No. 1 status after 75 weeks. Therefore, Sabalenka became the top-ranked player and held the position for eight weeks.

However, after Swiatek ousted Sabalenka in the semi-final at the WTA Finals, the former went on to defeat Jessica Pegula in the final to win the prestigious season-ending championship and re-claim World No. 1. This also consolidated the 22-year-old as the year-end No. 1 for the second consecutive year.

Ahead of the final, Sabalenka reflected on the probable prospect of moving back down to World No. 2 which later became a reality, and looked back at her season as a whole, saying it was both "tough" and "great".

"I had a lot of lessons this season. A lot of tough losses. A lot of great wins. Becoming world #1… probably not for long (laughing). Whatever. It’s not about ranking," she said (via Cancun Press).

Moreover, she spoke of the importance of learning from "tough matches" and was positive when looking toward next season.

"I feel like those tough matches are something you need sometimes to learn. I feel like I’m moving in the right direction," she continued.

Sabalenka will be busy from the start of the WTA Tour next year as she will aim to defend her title at the Australian Open, which is due to take place from January 14-28. The Belarusian defeated Elena Rybakina in the final of the 2023 edition to win her first Grand Slam title,