US Open 2026 results: Elena Rybakina replaces Aryna Sabalenka as women's world number one with win over Zheng Qinwen
Elena Rybakina has secured the women's world number one tennis ranking after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the US Open quarter-finals. She becomes the first player from Kazakhstan to achieve this milestone, ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign.
Why it matters
This marks a historic shift in professional tennis, highlighting the rise of new talent and the competitive volatility of the WTA rankings.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Elena Rybakina has become the 30th different WTA world number one
After 99 weeks, there will be a new women's world number one - and it will be Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina confirmed she will replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings on Monday with her US Open quarter-final victory over China's Zheng Qinwen.
Despite losing a set for the first time in the tournament, Rybakina fought back and saved a break point in the deciding set to complete a 3-6 6-1 6-4 win.
She is the first Kazakhstani man or woman to reach the top of the singles standings.
Rybakina has been in hot pursuit of Sabalenka this season and arrived in New York as one of three women who threatened the Belarusian's position, alongside Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in