Ons Jabeur believes Aryna Sabalenka reaching the world No 1 ranking is “really deserved.” Sabalenka, 25, officially became the world No 1 for the first time in her career this Monday. At this past US Open, Sabalenka secured overtaking Iga Swiatek from the world No 1 spot. “With Aryna, I saw her at the US Open and said congratulations.
I believe she really deserved to be No 1. She has everything. Serve, big hitter, everything that she needs to be No 1. Hopefully that will motivate us. Definitely, we’ll chase her for sure,” Jabeur said.
Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka© Getty Images Sport – Mike Hewitt
Jabeur ‘so happy’ for Sabalenka
After winning the Australian Open, Sabalenka climbed to No 2 in the world.
After chasing Swiatek for seven months, Sabalenka finally overtook Swiatek at the US Open. In the US Open round-of-16, defending champion Swiatek suffered a shock defeat to Jelena Ostapenko. With that loss, Swiatek lost the world No 1 ranking position.
When Jabeur was asked at the US Open about Sabalenka reaching the No 1 spot, the Tunisian said she was “so happy” for the Belarusian. “Honestly, I’m so happy for Aryna. She deserved that. She’s a very solid player. I’ve practiced with her.
Big serve, big hitter. I think she deserves to be No. 1 spot. She deserved that for a long time ago. Definitely the match yesterday was very interesting. Not so many people surprised because Jelena can play amazing, amazing games. That’s the beauty of also WTA, to find different heroes.
I honestly love how Aryna plays with her passion on the court. You can feel it. Hopefully she will stay No 1 until I get there and take her place,” Jabeur said at the US Open. Meanwhile, Sabalenka has accomplished her two biggest goals this season. After becoming a Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open, Sabalenka is now also ranked at No 1.
