End of an era! Women's tennis will have a new world No.1
Elena Rybakina has climbed all the way to the summit of women's tennis.
Details: The WTA has officially confirmed that the 27-year-old Kazakhstani will become world No.1 for the first time in her career when the updated rankings are released after the US Open on Monday, September 14. Rybakina secured the top spot after defeating Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals in New York.
The quarterfinal turned into a serious test for Rybakina. She dropped the opening set, but completely changed the momentum in the second before holding her nerve in the deciding set. The victory also sent her into the US Open semifinals for the first time in her career.
After the tournament, Rybakina will overtake Aryna Sabalenka, who has occupied the top position in the WTA rankings since October 2024. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula had also entered the US Open with a mathematical chance of becoming No.1, but the latest results in New York have now settled the race.
The achievement is historic not only for Rybakina personally. She will become the 30th woman in WTA history to reach world No.1 and the first player from Kazakhstan, male or female, ever to occupy the top position in the global singles rankings.
It is worth noting that Rybakina has already won the 2026 Australian Open, claiming the second Grand Slam singles title of her career. According to the WTA, she also leads the women's Tour in aces this season with more than 350.
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Steven Perez
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