August 16, 2026, Mason, Ohio, USA: ARYNA SABALENKA BLR hits a two-handed backhand during Sunday s second round against Talia Gibson at the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mason USA - ZUMAs304 20260816_zaf_s304_078 Copyright: xScottxStuartx
August 16, 2026, Mason, Ohio, USA: ARYNA SABALENKA BLR hits a two-handed backhand during Sunday s second round against Talia Gibson at the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mason USA - ZUMAs304 20260816_zaf_s304_078 Copyright: xScottxStuartx
Aryna Sabalenka made sure one name was not missing when the WTA’s biggest stars came up in conversation. During her Cincinnati Open press conference, the world No. 1 reminded a reporter that Elena Rybakina belongs among the leading players on the women’s tour.
The moment came as the battle for the top of the WTA rankings continues to tighten. Sabalenka remains No. 1 with 8,670 points, but Rybakina is just 354 points behind her after reaching the Canadian Open final. Jessica Pegula currently sits third with 6,680 points.
The reporter had mentioned Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff while discussing the leading players still chasing their first Grand Slam title. Sabalenka immediately noticed Rybakina’s absence.
“You forgot Elena, yeah, but it’s okay,” Sabalenka said with a smile. “She’s kind of like number two right now.”
MASON, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus signs autographs for fans during day six of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 16, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx Sportspressphoto_SPR209597
MASON, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus signs autographs for fans during day six of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 16, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx Sportspressphoto_SPR209597
According to Tennis World USA, the playful correction came as Rybakina has emerged as Sabalenka’s biggest threat to the No. 1 ranking. The Kazakh has already beaten Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open final, while Sabalenka answered with wins over Rybakina in the Indian Wells final and Miami semifinal.
Their recent rivalry is remarkably even. Over their last six meetings, the two have split the matches 3-3, with Rybakina also defeating Sabalenka in the 2025 WTA Finals final and Cincinnati quarterfinal. Their growing rivalry now carries even greater significance because the No. 1 ranking is also at stake.
Sabalenka has still enjoyed an outstanding 2026 campaign. She won Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami, becoming only the fifth woman to complete the Sunshine Double, and owns a 38-7 record for the season.
Rybakina, however, has answered with the Australian Open and Stuttgart titles before reaching the Indian Wells and Toronto finals.
Sabalenka’s target is bigger than the No. 1 ranking
Sabalenka has already acknowledged the pressure that comes with being the player everyone wants to beat. Speaking in Cincinnati, she explained that the target does not disappear simply because a player drops in the rankings.
“You can look at this like you’re defending something, but to be honest, you have the target on your back,” Sabalenka said, as reported by Tennis World USA.
She added that opponents want to beat players regardless of whether they are ranked No. 1, No. 2 or No. 10. That mindset could be important as Rybakina continues closing the gap.
The US Open could become the biggest test yet. Sabalenka is the defending champion and must protect 2,000 points in New York, while Rybakina is defending only 230. That difference gives the Kazakh a major opportunity to gain ground.
Follow Her Sports Nation for more updates!
Written by
Nilendu Brahma
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi