Elena Rybakina will become the new world No.1 when the updated rankings are released after the US Open on Monday.
The 27-year-old becomes the 30th player to become WTA No.1 since the rankings' introduction in 1975. Not only that, but Rybakina will be the first Kazakhstani to hold the top spot.
“Yeah, it's history, and I'm very proud representing Kazakhstan,” she said. “Every time I come back to Kazakhstan, no matter which city I go, it's always so many kids now [playing] tennis … It's just amazing how many young people are looking up to you, and it just proves that everything is possible if you believe, if you work hard.”
The new ranking follows her quarterfinal victory against Zheng Qinwen at the US Open, a hard-fought three-set battle against the Chinese superstar, who is experiencing a thrilling comeback season since returning to tour.
Despite describing the match as “very difficult” and “very stressful”, Rybakina emerged triumphant to secure a place in the semifinals at the US Open for the first time in her career.
“I’m super proud again because last year I lost in quarters and I never went so far here in New York, so I’m very proud, very happy,” she told Stan Sport.
“I think is important to be less stressed, try to enjoy – it’s very difficult to do [but] it’s easy to say… we’ll see what’s going to happen tomorrow, but definitely I will try to fight until the end and give my all.”
Rybakina has enjoyed a stellar 2026 season, beginning with her second major title secured at the Australian Open, where she reached the women’s final without dropping a set. She quickly followed that up with a run to the finals at Indian Wells, and while she fell to Aryna Sabalenka, she made up for it the following month at the WTA 500 event in Stuttgart where she lifted the trophy (and drove home a Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet).
Her deep runs continued as the hardcourt swing got under way, starting strong in Toronto by advancing to the finals where she fell to Iga Swiatek. She then progressed to the quarterfinals in Cincinnati, where a left ankle injury forced her to retire from her match against Swiatek.
Since US Open 2025, Rybakina has won 62 matches, the most WTA-level wins of any player. She is also the player who has reached the most finals, tied with Jessica Pegula for six finals apiece. Her serve continues to be one of her greatest weapons; she leads the pack for most aces fired with 394 – 56 more than second-placed Linda Noskova.
Any doubts about Rybakina’s ability to bounce back from injury after Cincinnati and go the distance at the US Open were dashed immediately, as she reached quarterfinals without dropping a set.
Despite her achievements, Rybakina remains as humble as ever, choosing to attribute her No.1 success as a team effort.
“It means a lot, very proud of all the hard work with my team, it’s been very difficult couple of weeks, especially with my injury on the previous tournament,” she said. “I’m super happy, still tough to believe.”
2 - Since 1975, Elena Rybakina (27 years 89 days) is the second-oldest player to first obtain the World No. 1 ranking, after Angelique Kerber (28 years 238 days). Throne. #USOpen | @usopen @WTA pic.twitter.com/SB2uGfZYjw
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) September 9, 2026
While her rise to No.1 is confirmed, Rybakina refuses to let it sway her focus. “Still trying to put all thoughts aside about the ranking and just thinking about my next match tomorrow,” said Rybakina, who next faces Coco Gauff.
“I don't think about it so much. It's a great achievement, and I feel like you will appreciate and think about it even more when you finish your career.
“You still need to keep on going, and it's nice whenever you're done to say, ‘OK, I won these tournaments, I've been No. 1, it's amazing’, but right now it's great. You never know how long you're going to stay.
“I want to win the titles still in the tournaments, so all my thoughts are just for the next match.”