Aryna Sabalenka is refusing to get caught up in the guessing game of who will exit the US Open as world No.1.

The Belarusian has held the top spot since October 2024 and has already spent more than 100 weeks in the position during her career. However, she faces the prospect of winning the Grand Slam and still losing the No.1 ranking due to Elena Rybakina’s surge in recent weeks. The Kazakh can achieve the milestone without relying on the results of other players by reaching the semi-finals.

On top of this, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also involved in the battle. If one of them wishes to become the first American No.1 since Serena Williams, they must win the US Open and hope Rybakina doesn’t make it to the semi-finals.

“I completely separate myself from that because it’s just guessing,” Sabalenka commented on the No.1 race after beating Taylor Townsend.

“It’s like if, if, if, if. I’m just focusing on myself. I’m just trying to bring my best tennis every time I’m competing out there and basically fight for it.

“There are always scenarios for something. There are always different statistics that social media brings, so I’m just completely trying to stay away from it.”

Sabalenka adds she is unperturbed by the situation because it is not entirely in her hands.

“When it’s out of my control, it’s out of my control. Why would I even think about that?” she said.

On the court, Sabalenka has made it through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set. Against Townsend, she experienced some teething problems with her serve but still managed to maintain the upper hand.

“I love matches like that because it was really challenging and going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges definitely gives you strength and really strong belief that you can do it,” she explained.

“These kinds of matches are really like a boost of confidence.”

In New York, her other wins have been over Camila Osorio in the first round (6-2, 6-4), Polina Iatcenko in the second round (6-1, 6-1) and Kamilla Rakhimova in the third round (6-3, 6-4).

The next challenge for Sabalenka will be a showdown against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who ousted Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, in a rollercoaster match in which she failed to convert two match points in the second set. It will be the second meeting between the two this season after Indian Wells, where Sabalenka was triumphant in straight sets.

“A really aggressive style of the game. Serving really well, playing super fast. You’ve got to stay really low to be able to handle that power and energy,” Sabalenka said of the Czech.

“I played a couple of matches against her in the past, which weren’t the easiest matches.”

Sabalenka is 5-0 in quarter-final matches played at the US Open.

How four players can exit the US Open as No.1

Elena Rybakina

-No.1 if Sabalenka, Pegula and Gauff do not win the title.

-No. 1 ranking by reaching the semifinals, regardless of all other results.

Aryna Sabalenka

-Must win the title and have Rybakina lose before the semifinals.

Jessica Pegula

-Must win the title and have Rybakina lose before the semifinals

Coco Gauff

–Must win the title and have Rybakina lose before the semifinals