Elena Rybakina Set to Overtake Aryna Sabalenka as World No. 1 After US Open Quarterfinal Win
Kazakhstani player Elena Rybakina will replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the women's rankings following her three-set victory over Zheng Qinwen in the US Open quarterfinals.
Elena Rybakina secured a place as the new world No. 1 in the women's singles rankings after defeating Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the US Open quarterfinals. The win ends Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign, the sixth-longest in WTA history, which began on 21 October 2024.
Rybakina, the first Kazakhstani player to top the singles standings, saved a break point in the deciding set and became the first of three contenders—alongside Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff—who could claim the top spot without needing to win the title. Sabalenka will play Jessica Pegula in her next match, while Rybakina faces either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals.
"It's just a number right now. My goal is to win the tournaments which I play," Rybakina said, emphasizing her focus on titles over rankings.
The Kazakhstani's rise began at the end of 2025 after a series of strong performances, including a victory over Sabalenka at the Australian Open and a Stuttgart title on clay. Despite a recent ankle injury that limited her preparation, she continued to compete at a high level.
Rybakina has been coached by Stefano Vukov for nearly seven years, with a brief interruption in 2025 when Vukov was suspended pending an investigation. He was later reinstated, and the pair resumed their partnership in August 2025, leading to Rybakina's recent surge in form.