Aryna Sabalenka’s long-time coach Anton Dubrov issued a stern warning to Iga Swiatek after revealing their aim for the end of the year.
Aryna Sabalenka has returned to court after holding her nerve to defeat American Jessica Pegula on home soil in the US Open final.
Overcoming her yips from 12 months ago when Coco Gauff fought back to win, Sabalenka won in Cincinnati before producing a stunning fortnight at Flushing.
The Belarusian is eyeing up a third consecutive major title in Melbourne after having moved up to second in the WTA rankings after a successful last month
Aryna Sabalenka wants to topple Iga Swiatek before the end of the year
Sabalenka’s coach Anton Dubrov explained how the team aren’t planning on ending their blistering campaign any time soon.
Outlining their combined team goals for the rest of the year, he explained how the relentless fortnight at the US Open requires at least a moment’s breath before going again.
“The goal is first to be fit and healthy, because it’s going to take a while to recover. The main goal for us this season is to finish on a high note,” he said to The National.
Sabalenka said she didn’t want to talk about the number one ranking, despite confirming that it was of course a goal for her.
Her coach however addressed it head-on: “Right now, I would say we can talk about the No 1 spot, to finish the year as No 1 is a really cool goal. But as I said, this [run in New York] took so much energy and emotions so first of all we need to also learn how we can recover as fast as we can and set those goals.
“Because everyone has goals and says, ‘I want to win four Slams and finish No 1’. That’s a cool goal and you can do it but it just takes you a while to manage it.”
How close is Aryna Sabalenka to Iga Swiatek in the WTA rankings?
Just over 12 months ago, Swiatek’s status as world number one crumbled after she lost to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round of the US Open.
With a superb end to 2024 where she stormed to victory at the WTA finals without dropping a set, as well as sweeping up the China Open title.
Swiatek matched Ashleigh Barty’s record this week after starting her 121st week as world number one.
Currently on 10885 points to Sabalenka’s 8716, the Pole has a large lead. Importantly though, she has a whole host of points to defend which could see her haemorrhage points.
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