Aryna Sabalenka congratulated by Novak Djokovic at US Open – ‘Smile if you will become world No 1 soon’

Aryna Sabalenka has been congratulated for her impending promotion to world No. 1 after the US Open by Novak Djokovic.

Iga Swiatek’s fourth-round defeat to Jelena Ostapenko means Sabalenka will end the Pole’s 75-week stint at the summit of the WTA rankings, once the US Open concludes this weekend.

Djokovic will also move back into top spot of the ATP rankings after the final Grand Slam of the calendar year, taking over from Carlos Alcaraz.

Kasatkina failed to hold her own serve in a chastening first set, but set two was a slightly more even contest. However, the 25-year-old motored towards victory after an early break at 3-1 gave her an advantage which she fully utilised.

Speaking in her post-match press conference, she said: “I got a lot of messages, a lot of support from a lot of players.

“I had a very nice message from Ons [Jabeur]. After her tough loss, she gave me five. She was still upset, but she still came to me and congratulated me. I love this girl; She’s amazing. I think she’s the best.

“The funniest one was from Djokovic because he will also become world No 1 after the US Open. Someone mentioned us together with these funny sunglasses we wore from the US Open. He just sent me this and said: ‘Smile if you will become world No 1 soon.’ It was the funniest one, I would say.”

Despite moving up into top spot, the Belarusian admits the change in her status will do nothing to alter her overall approach to the sport. If anything, she admits, it puts a target on her back.

“It’s doesn’t change anything,” she said. “Yes, I was No 2 and now I’m No 1. Of course, it’s a great achievement and one of the goals, but you still have to bring your best tennis.

“Players have nothing to lose against you; they’re playing their best tennis, so sometimes it’s even tougher.

“I’m not focusing on that, as anybody can beat anybody. I’m trying to focus on myself and improve myself more, doing everything to bring my best tennis to each match.”

Sabalenka’s next challenge is against world No 23 Qinwen Zheng in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.