Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka is set to relinquish her position as the world No. 1 in women’s tennis this week, ending a streak that began in October 2024. The 28-year-old, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has experienced a challenging year marked by early tournament exits and a loss of the dominant form that previously propelled her to the sport’s summit.

Sabalenka’s departure from the top ranking comes despite no evident decline in her technical game. Analysts and observers note that her serving and groundstrokes remain strong. Instead, the shift appears tied to difficulties in maintaining the intense mental and physical demands required to consistently perform at the highest level. The player herself has acknowledged the challenge of staying focused on continual self-improvement rather than the pressures associated with holding the No. 1 spot.

Throughout 2025, Sabalenka reached the final of the Australian Open and claimed titles at major events in Indian Wells and Miami, accomplishments that cemented her reputation as a formidable competitor. However, the past several months have seen her struggle with consistency, exemplified by a disappointing fourth-round loss at Wimbledon to Naomi Osaka and her recent runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, where she was defeated by Elena Rybakina.

During the U.S. Open final, Sabalenka visibly displayed frustration, at times breaking rackets and gesturing to release pent-up disappointment. Despite these outbursts, she maintained professionalism in addressing her team and the media. Observers also noted signs of fatigue and a lack of sharpness in her movement and shot-making as the season wore on.

This week, Rybakina will officially replace Sabalenka as the new women’s No. 1, closing a chapter in the Belarusian’s career. Sabalenka, who has been ranked at the top spot for a total of 107 weeks, including 99 consecutive weeks, reflected on the milestone with humor and respect for her successor. “Let’s see if Elena can beat me in that,” she remarked, demonstrating a competitive spirit despite recent setbacks.

Beyond her on-court achievements, Sabalenka experienced personal milestones during the year, becoming engaged and acquiring a dog, while also securing endorsement deals with luxury brands, indicating a growing presence beyond tennis. Yet, as she prepares to step down from the top ranking, her focus appears to be on overcoming the mental hurdles that have defined the past season and returning to the consistent, creative level of play that made her a dominant force in women’s tennis.