'Red rag to a bull' - Sabalenka's extra motivation to win US Open

Aryna Sabalenka is determined to win the US Open in order to prevent Elena Rybakina from surpassing her as world number one. However, even this win may not be enough, as Sabalenka knows her 99-week reign at the top of the rankings will end. Rybakina, who has already secured the top spot by defeating Sabalenka at the Australian Open, will replace her at the top after she reaches the semi-finals.

This provides an extra motivation for Sabalenka in their upcoming match, as former British number one Annabel Croft described it as "red rag to a bull". Despite losing her ranking, Sabalenka remains motivated and confident, having performed well against her opponent Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. Rybakina, too, came into the tournament with concerns about her health, having injured her ankle during the Cincinnati quarter-finals.

However, she has risen to the challenge and is now ready to close out the Grand Slam season with Sabalenka.