Winning a Grand Slam title and losing World No.1 Spot? Aryna Sabalenka describes feeling as 'weird' following impressive semi-final win

2026 has not been smooth sailing for Aryna Sabalenka, but it now feels as though she is reaching her highest level again. She is in a fourth consecutive US Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in what was a phenomenal performance as she gears up for a tantalising rematch against Elena Rybakina who has stolen the World No.1 spot off her arch rival in recent times, a feeling Sabalenka has described as 'weird.'

Sabalenka has enjoyed a lot of joy in the past against Pegula, but on this occasion she was absolutely flying. 11 consecutive holds of serve commenced proceedings, with a tiebreak prevented right at the last second with a timely break that saw Sabalenka lead. She was very much on top in the second set, storming out into a 5-2 lead before another break of serve got the job done against her hapless opponent.

Sabalenka was fully aware of the high level she produced when commenting on reaching a ninth Grand Slam final. "I'm super happy that I was able to play at such a high level, especially against Jess," she began in her press conference. "In the last matches we played, she's been able to push me so far, and it was really tough to get a win against her. To get this win in straight sets today, it really impressed me, to be honest. I'm super happy."

There was almost a sense of desperation surrounding the Belarusian as she now eyes up more Grand Slam glory in a blistering return to form. "I was super desperate. I lost a tough match on grass against Jess, and I wasn't really performing well in the middle part of the season. So it kind of feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like the last push of the season. So I wanted badly to go to the final, and of course I want to go all the way. The mentality was just, I'm ready for whatever it's going to take to get the win."

Beforehand, Pegula had some really positive things to say about her opponent, lavishly singling out her immense showing on court with some high praise. It feels like the Sabalenka of early 2026 when she reached the Australian Open final before completing the Sunshine double.

"I mean, I think this season, especially the beginning of the season, obviously I played a lot of incredible matches at a really high level," she said. "But I think today I really performed well, and I felt like whatever decision I would make, it was the right decision. So I would definitely say that against Jess, probably today, compared to the last matches we played, it was definitely a better level for me."

Their last meeting came in Berlin earlier this year where the American turned up the heat to bagel Sabalenka enroute to a well-earned win. That was not something that motivated Sabalenka to put in the performance that she did on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"No, I just think that in Berlin, she played incredible. Not much I could do, so it really made me feel like I have little chances today in a way. But also I knew that I had to be focused from the beginning to the end, and I think that really helped me to be that focused and to perform at that level. But Jess, come on, I cannot say that. But yeah, better not to make me mad."

While Sabalenka is in pole position to clinch aa third US Open title, the damage in the rankings has already been done. A period of uncharacteristic early exits saw her having been drawn into Rybakina's grasp. The two-time Grand Slam champion has upped her level in the North American hardcourt swing with her reaching the semi-finals, which was enough to secure her top spot for the very first time, ending a 99-week period of Sabalenka dominance.

The 28-year-old first clambered to that position back exactly three years ago today following a final defeat against Coco Gauff. "I really understand how tough it is to reach the world No. 1. And it's a lot of work. And I really... yeah, that was one of my goals," she commented, admitting that her rough patch in the season cost her.

"But right now, not much I could do. I didn't really perform well in the middle of the season. Elena took it over and played really well, and she took away the No. 1 position. But not much I could do about that. But I can only focus on myself and just stay in the moment and try to do my best right now, just so I keep it tight. And maybe I will take it back from her.

Sabalenka defends her title in New York, but that will not matter in terms of the top spot. Many fans believe this is a flaw in the system, but Sabalenka understands. "But yeah, it does feel a little bit weird. You can perform well in the tournament, but still have the No. 1 position taken away. So it's okay. It's sport. I love that. That's the beauty of sport, right? Like everyone chasing everyone. And it's all about little things that you improve and you get better at."

For the final, Sabalenka is going to change absolutely nothing heading into it. "I keep the same routine. And as I said, the last couple of months really taught me how to shut down the noise from outside," she explained.

"And I think that was the meaning behind all of those tough lessons, to finally learn how to stay focused on myself and forget about the outside noise. It sounds simple, but it's not really simple to do sometimes. So nothing is going to change for me."

Sabalenka should be used to this feeling of reaching a Grand Slam final with experience on her side. This has been the second consecutive year that she has travelled to Flushing Meadows without a Grand Slam title won in the campaign. She debunked the desperation that she commented on earlier, outlining her love for the city which in turn boosts her motivation and drive for glory.

"Well, I don't know about that, but I have to say that I just love New York, and I love being here, and I love the energy of the city. And I think that's what drives me. That's what really inspires me and pushes me to keep going."

At the time of her press conference, she did not know whether it would be Rybakina or Coco Gauff that she would face in the final. Despite taking a one-set lead, there was more American misery as Rybakina sealed a second win over the 22-year-old in the space of a month to set up a first showdown against Sabalenka since the Miami Open semi-final.

"It's going to be a really tough match," Sabalenka said on the prospect of facing Rybakina as her final opponent. "She's a big server. She really improved over the years on the baseline game. So it's going to be a physically and mentally tough match. But as I said, I'm ready for the fight. I'm ready to do everything to get the win. So I'm excited for that match."

She concluded with an ominous message. "I can say that I feel confident, and I feel mentally and physically really strong right now."