In the new world rankings, Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina has officially taken the first place, becoming the 30th queen of tennis in the Open Era. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Until now, in the Open Era, which began in 1968 when professionals and amateurs began competing together in tennis tournaments, there had been 29 athletes who held the top spot in the rankings. Rybakina replaced Arina Sabalenka of Belarus at the summit, becoming the 30th queen.
Coronation at the US Open-2026 final
The coronation took place in the final of the US Open-2026. The Kazakhstani player proved her superiority in 2 hours and 21 minutes – 6:4, 5:7, 6:2. And rightfully topped the rankings.
It took Elena 10 years of professional competition to become No. 1. Recently, our Snow Queen has finally settled in on the approaches. The brilliant victory in New York, her third at Grand Slam tournaments after Wimbledon-2022 and the Australian Open-2026, completed the assault.
What's next?
After resting, in the last week of September, Rybakina will lead the Kazakhstan national team at the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup in China.
Before that, Elena promised to bring the US Open-2026 trophy to Kazakhstan. To share the joy of the big victory with those who cheered for her.
Other changes in the rankings
Apart from the swap at the top, there were no major changes in the WTA singles rankings. Almost all the leaders of world women's tennis in doubles also remained in their places. Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina remained sixth. Her partner Alexandra Krunic, who suffered an injury during the tournament, rose to fourth place. This was facilitated by the Serbian player's participation in mixed doubles.