Elena Fansthe Elena Rybakina fan site
Updated September 12, 2026

Rybakina becomes world No. 1 - a first for Kazakhstan

Beating Zheng Qinwen 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 in the US Open quarterfinals mathematically took Elena Rybakina to the top of the WTA rankings. The update that displaces Aryna Sabalenka is published on 14 September 2026. Rybakina is the 30th woman to reach No. 1 since the rankings began in 1975, and the first from Kazakhstan.

RankingUS Open

Source: WTA, Sports.ru

Tournament

Elena Rybakina at the US Open 2026Elena Rybakina at the US Open 2026: every match result, wins over Osaka, Zheng, Gauff and Sabal…
First roundThea Frodin6–3, 6–2Win
Second roundJessica Bouzas Maneiro6–2, 6–4Win
Third roundYuliia Starodubtseva7–6(6), 6–3Win
Fourth roundNaomi Osaka6–1, 6–4Win
QuarterfinalZheng Qinwen3–6, 6–1, 6–4Win
SemifinalCoco Gauff3:6, 6:4, 6:4Win
FinalAryna Sabalenka6:4, 5:7, 6:2Win

What's next

Right now
Tokyo: withdrawal before the quarterfinal
Tokyo · WTA 500 · 26 October – 1 November

On 30 October Rybakina withdrew from the Tokyo tournament before her quarterfinal against Leylah Fernandez. According to the WTA, the reason is a neck injury: inflammation and pain are stopping her from playing at her best. A day earlier, by beating Yulia Putintseva, she secured the year-end world No. 1 ranking.

Next on the calendar is the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, 8–15 November. How the injury affects her participation has not been announced yet.

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