Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to capture first US Open and world No.1
Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win her first US Open title, adding to her Australian Open crown from earlier in 2026. The victory lifts her to the top of the WTA rankings, making her the first Kazakhstani player to hold the world No.1 spot. She becomes the 30th woman to reach that position.
Elena Rybakina’s straight-sets victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final capped a remarkable season, adding a second major title to her Australian Open triumph earlier in 2026. The three-set battle, decided 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, showcased her resilience after dropping the second set. With the win, Rybakina ascends to the WTA’s No.1 ranking, a historic first for Kazakhstan. She joins an elite group as only the 30th woman ever to hold the top spot, cementing her place among tennis’s all-time greats.
This milestone could inspire young athletes in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, where tennis infrastructure and visibility remain limited. Rybakina’s rise may also shift global attention to the WTA’s competitive depth, as her dual-major season challenges the dominance of established stars. For fans, her achievement underscores how rankings can be reshaped by consistent Grand Slam performance, potentially influencing sponsorship and media coverage of the sport in emerging markets.