Rybakina speaks on chance to overtake Sabalenka in WTA rankings

Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina (World No. 2) has commented on the possibility of becoming the WTA world No. 1 for the first time in her career. After advancing to the 2026 U.S. Open quarterfinals, one more victory will be enough for Rybakina to move past Aryna Sabalenka and become world No. 1.

In the round of 16, Rybakina defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka (World No. 13) 6-1, 6-4. Rybakina will face 2024 Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng of China (World No. 121). If Rybakina wins, she will advance to the semifinals and become world No. 1 regardless of Sabalenka’s result.

Following the match against Osaka, Rybakina was asked about the possibility of reaching the top of the rankings.

«Of course I want it. Who wouldn’t wish this? Yeah, definitely, that’s one of my goals. I try to approach [the next match] the same way, try to do everything I can, fight until the end. Let’s see what’s going to happen. If I serve well, as I did today, I think I have all the chances. So yeah, I’m gonna try my best, and hopefully it’s going to go my way,» the U.S. Open press service cited Rybakina as saying.

At the same time, the tennis player said she would not change her approach to the next match because of the additional pressure. She said the most important thing was to focus on her own game and fight until the end.

Just a few weeks ago, Rybakina’s participation in the 2026 U.S. Open itself was in doubt. After suffering an ankle injury in Cincinnati, she couldn’t train fully, and her team remained unsure whether she could play in New York. Nevertheless, she has reached the quarterfinals without losing a set.

Rybakina’s next opponent will be Qinwen Zheng, who came back from 0-5 down in the first set of her round-of-16 match before defeating Iga Świątek (World No. 8) 7-5, 6-3. Rybakina leads Zheng 4-1 in their head-to-head record.

Sabalenka continues her run at the tournament. In the quarterfinals, the world No. 1 will face Linda Nosková (World No. 6). However, Sabalenka’s result will no longer be enough to retain the top ranking if Rybakina defeats Zheng.