Elena Rybakina has reached another major milestone in her career. The 27-year-old will become the new world No. 1 in women’s tennis after advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 US Open. Her three-set victory over Zheng Qinwen secured the top position in the WTA rankings and made Rybakina the first tennis player representing Kazakhstan, male or female, to reach world No. 1.
A Comeback Victory Secures the Top Ranking
Rybakina entered her US Open quarterfinal against Zheng knowing that a victory would guarantee her place at the top of the WTA rankings.
The match did not begin the way she wanted. Zheng took the opening set 6-3, putting Rybakina under immediate pressure. The No. 2 seed responded quickly, taking control of the second set and winning it 6-1 to force a deciding third.
The final set brought another challenge. With Rybakina trailing 4-3, Zheng earned a break point that could have put her within one game of victory. Rybakina saved it, held serve and shifted the momentum of the match. She went on to win the final three games, completing a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory in two hours and 14 minutes.
“Very stressful,” Rybakina said afterward. “Didn’t start my best and found a way in the end. Super happy.”
She added, “Yeah, a lot of thoughts was going through the head in the beginning, but glad that I managed to find a way.”
Rybakina Wins the Battle Against Herself
The quarterfinal tested more than Rybakina’s tennis. She admitted that she struggled mentally with several conditions during the match, including playing earlier in the day and dealing with the changing sun and shadows on court.
Rather than allowing those frustrations to take over, Rybakina managed to regain her concentration when the match became most difficult.
“It’s been a very difficult match,” Rybakina said. “Honestly, a lot of nerves, of course. Maybe it wasn’t the highest level but I’m glad that I pushed through. It’s an early match and in my head I was complaining a little bit about the sun, the shadow, a lot of little things. It was definitely a battle inside me but I’m glad that I pushed all the negative thoughts away and I kept on fighting.”
That ability to recover has become an important part of her season. Her comeback against Zheng also reflected her Australian Open final earlier this year, when she recovered from a deficit in the deciding set against Aryna Sabalenka to capture the title.
A Historic No. 1 Ranking for Kazakhstan
The victory means Rybakina will officially become the 30th woman to hold the WTA world No. 1 ranking when the updated rankings are released after the US Open on September 14.
Her achievement also carries special significance for Kazakhstan. Rybakina will become the first player representing the country to reach No. 1 in either the women’s or men’s rankings.
“Becoming the WTA World No.1 is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a young girl, it means so much to me,” Rybakina said. “I’m so proud of this moment. I want to thank my whole team for their support and being able to celebrate this achievement with me.”
Rybakina also spoke about what her success could mean for younger tennis players in Kazakhstan.
“I’m very proud representing Kazakhstan,” Rybakina said. “Every time I come back to Kazakhstan, no matter which city I go, it’s always so many kids.”
“Now they play tennis, and the more and more are coming to the tennis facilities. It’s just amazing how many, yeah, young people are looking up to you, and it just proves that everything is possible if you believe, if you work hard.”
A Remarkable 12 Months Push Rybakina to the Top
The new ranking is the result of a strong stretch that extends well beyond the US Open.
Rybakina ended 2025 by winning the WTA Finals without losing a match. She carried that form into 2026 and captured her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. She later won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and continued collecting deep runs at major WTA tournaments.
She finished runner-up at both Indian Wells and Toronto and reached the semifinals in Miami. Her powerful serve has remained one of her biggest weapons, with more than 350 aces during the 2026 season.
At the US Open, Rybakina continued building momentum. She defeated two-time champion Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 in the fourth round to reach the New York quarterfinals for the first time. That result also completed her collection of quarterfinal appearances at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Her victory over Zheng then took her one step further, giving Rybakina her first US Open semifinal and fifth Grand Slam semifinal overall.
Sabalenka’s Long Stay at No. 1 Comes to an End
Rybakina’s rise also brings an end to Aryna Sabalenka’s long run at the top of women’s tennis.
Sabalenka has held the No. 1 ranking since October 2024. With Rybakina securing enough ranking points in New York, the top position will change hands regardless of what happens during the remainder of the tournament.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula had also entered the US Open with a chance to become No. 1, but Rybakina’s run removed that possibility.
The achievement places Rybakina alongside a select group of players who have reached the highest position in women’s tennis.
World No. 1 Is Only Part of the US Open Goal
Despite reaching the top of the WTA rankings, Rybakina has made clear that she does not consider her work in New York finished.
“It’s just a number right now,” Rybakina said. “Of course, I’m in the semis, so my goal is to win the tournaments which I play. I go just match at a time. It’s an amazing achievement, but you know how quick everything can change in tennis, ranking-wise, during the match. I just need to focus on my game, try to recover and enjoy tomorrow.”
That approach leaves Rybakina with another major target: winning her first US Open title and adding a third Grand Slam trophy to her career.
Her rise to world No. 1 has already made the 2026 US Open historic. Now, with the semifinals ahead, Rybakina has the opportunity to turn that ranking milestone into something even bigger. A US Open championship would complete a remarkable run in New York and further establish her position at the top of women’s tennis.
