Heads of all the top names on the WTA Tour have agreed that the rankings will undergo a historic transformation. The Kazakh made his way to victory in the top spot after beating Qinwen Zheng, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina will enter into the top 100 when the WTA confirms her ranking with an updated list on Monday, September 14, 2026. She will succeed Elyna Sabalenka (Belarus) at the top and make a historic day for Kazakhstan.
Elena Rybakina Makes WTA History
It marks Rybakina’s 30th woman to become World’s No. 1, and her first in Kazakhstan history to achieve the ranking. The improvement was indicative of one of her periods where she has been playing the Grand Slams alongside a strong performance throughout the tour.
The 26-year old stalked into the US Open as the No. 2 seed and had to make the semifinal for her ranking to be assured. But her comeback win over Zheng did just that, as she claimed the lead before the end of the tournament.
US Open Result That Changed the Rankings
Rybakina had a rough journey against Zheng. She was defeated in the first set before controlling in the second before regaining her momentum and defeating them in the third set in a very competitive match.
Rybakina earned her first US Open semifinal appearance with the win. Most significantly, it erased the remaining fog of war over the No. 1 event as well; a race that also featured Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.
Aryna Sabalenka Drops From the Top
After the US Open, Sabalenka’s top spot will be up for grabs. She had ended up in the tournament as the top seed and defending champion, but in the same race where she qualified for the semifinal, she was lucky enough that Rybakina did not score and so could not maintain the top seed.
The change is significant, especially since Sabalenka had been a lengthy number one performer, while delivering big returns in New York City. It is the latest installment of one of the top rivalries in women’s tennis with her battle against Rybakina.
Who Are the Other Top WTA Players?
Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are also seen as rising stars in the fresh personation at the top of the rankings. During the US Open, both were also contenders for the top spot, but in the end it was Rybakina’s turn to win them.
Gauff’s quarter-final inclusion and Pegula’s superb performance serves to illustrate the competitiveness of the top women’s game. Mirra Andreeva was a big threat as well, but lost to Gauff in the tournament’s first round.
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What Rybakina’s No. 1 Ranking Means?
This is more than just a rank Rybakina’s point is noteworthy. Appointed as Kazakhstan’s first top number one tennis player in history, the moment has become one of the milestones of the country’s sports history.
It’s been her 2026 season, and she’s now reached an iconic milestone, making the US Open win the strongest statement that she has become the top of the rankings, respected by all.
FAQs
Who is the new WTA World #1?
Elena Rybakina will be the new WTA World No. 1 upon the official WTA rankings release on September 14th, 2026.
Where did Rybakina get No. 1?
She picked up the job after defeating Qinwen Zheng in the quarter final of the US Open to qualify for the semifinals.
What was the previous World Number 1?
Rybakina’s confirmed surge after the US Open took her off her brother’s feet will leave her in No. 1 going into the Canadian Open.
