Elena Rybakina officially becomes world No. 1

Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina has officially risen to No. 1 in the updated WTA rankings, becoming the 30th world No. 1 in the Open Era.

Twenty-nine players had previously reached the top of the rankings in the Open Era, which began in 1968, when professionals and amateurs were allowed to compete in the same tournaments. Rybakina replaced Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka at the top to become 30th player to reach No. 1.

The coronation took place in the 2026 U.S. Open final. Rybakina won the match 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in 2 hours and 21 minutes, confirming her new rank.

It took Rybakina 10 years of professional competition to reach the top. In recent years, she had established herself among the leading players. Her victory in New York, her third Grand Slam title after Wimbledon 2022 and the 2026 Australian Open, completed her rise to No. 1.

What’s next? After some rest, Rybakina will join Kazakhstan’s national team for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China, taking place in the last week of September.

Rybakina also said she would bring the 2026 U.S. Open trophy to Kazakhstan to share the joy of her victory with those who supported and cheered her on.

Apart from the shuffle at the top, there were no major changes in the WTA singles rankings. Almost all of the leading players in women’s doubles also retained their positions. Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina remained sixth, while her partner Aleksandra Krunić, who was injured during the tournament, climbed to fourth. Her participation in the mixed doubles draw helped boost her ranking.