Aryna Sabalenka recently opened up about the challenges of staying focused during the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she ultimately secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. Despite her remarkable season, the intense scrutiny around finishing as the WTA’s top player proved to be a mental hurdle. The Belarusian star, a three-time Grand Slam champion, spoke candidly about how the pressure of maintaining her No. 1 status and constant media attention contributed to a lapse in focus during the tournament.
Sabalenka’s run in Riyadh started strongly. She won her opening matches against Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini, demonstrating her formidable skill and resilience. However, her hold on the top ranking was ultimately cemented when her primary rival, Iga Swiatek, suffered a group-stage loss to Coco Gauff. This outcome guaranteed Sabalenka the coveted year-end No. 1 spot. But while securing this milestone was a triumph, it also led to a shift in her mindset.
Reflecting on her experience during a guest appearance on *Served with Andy Roddick*, the 26-year-old Sabalenka admitted that the constant chatter surrounding her bid to retain the top ranking began to weigh heavily. “I wasn’t really focused on the No. 1 ranking and what I should do to finish the year as world number one. I didn’t do that—I was like, ‘whatever,’” she said. Sabalenka went on to recount how questions from journalists and commentators added to her stress. “They asked me, ‘Do you know what you have to do to finish the year as world number one?’ I was like, ‘No and don’t tell me, please. I don’t want to know; I just wanted to focus on my tennis and just stay focused.’”
The situation took a turn after her first two victories in Riyadh, when headlines began to highlight her imminent achievement. “After winning two matches, the news was everywhere, and I was just like, ‘Please, don’t do that to me,’” Sabalenka said. The attention and pressure led to a decline in her performance; she suffered a defeat to Elena Rybakina in her final group-stage match. Sabalenka’s difficulties continued when she faced eventual champion Coco Gauff in the semifinals, where she was unable to regain her focus and momentum. Reflecting on her mental state at that time, Sabalenka admitted, “That’s probably why I kind of lost my focus. I don’t know; at that moment, I felt like I did everything I could in this season. I don’t have any energy left to compete and to fight.”
Despite this stumble, Sabalenka ended the year with an impressive 9,416 points, comfortably ahead of Swiatek, who closed out the season with 8,370 points. The 2024 season stands as the most successful of Sabalenka’s career, with four titles—marking a personal best. Among her achievements, she successfully defended her Australian Open crown and claimed her first US Open title, a victory that was especially sweet given the competitive depth in women’s tennis. Additionally, she captured two WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan, further showcasing her dominance on various surfaces.
While injuries played a role in her season, notably forcing her to withdraw from Wimbledon, Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability. She was also a finalist in Madrid and Rome, underscoring her consistency and elite level of play throughout the year. Her journey to the top was not without its challenges, including a narrow miss at claiming the year-end No. 1 title in 2023 when Swiatek surpassed her at the WTA Finals in Cancun.
Sabalenka’s reflections reveal the mental and emotional demands placed on elite athletes, especially those at the top of their sport. The Belarusian’s candid admission about the toll of external pressures serves as a reminder that success is not just about physical ability but also about mental resilience. Moving forward, Sabalenka will likely draw on this experience as she continues to navigate the complexities of life at the pinnacle of women’s tennis.
For fans and analysts alike, Sabalenka’s 2024 season highlights both her incredible talent and the fierce competition that defines modern women’s tennis. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, Sabalenka remains determined to build on her success while finding ways to manage the pressures that come with being the world’s best. Her story serves as a testament to perseverance, ambition, and the evolving journey of a champion striving to maintain her place at the top.