Aryna Sabalenka admitted it felt “a bit weird” to lose the world No.1 ranking despite reaching the US Open final. The Belarusian will take on Elena Rybakina in the US Open final, and the number one ranking will also be up for grabs.

Rybakina secured the No.1 ranking when she came from behind to beat Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarter-finals. After leapfrogging Sabalenka for the numero uno position in the WTA rankings, Rybakina ended the former’s 99-week reign at the top of the ladder.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka qualified for the New York Major final after defeating home favorite Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semi-final.

“I really understand how tough it is to reach world No.1. It was one of my goals. But right now, not much I can do. I didn’t really perform well in the middle of the season. Elena took it over and played really well,” Sabalenka said in the post-match press conference.

The 28-year-old said he is focused on herself ahead of the all-important final.

“I can only focus on myself and stay in the moment and try to do my best right now. Just keep it tight and maybe I will take it back from her,” she added.

“It does feel a bit weird you can perform well at the tournament and still be taken away the #1 position. It’s okay. It’s sport. I love that. That’s the beauty of sport,” she said.

“Everyone chasing everyone,” she said. “It’s all about little things you improve and get better at.”

The US Open women’s singles final will be played on Saturday.