How Aryna Sabalenka performed in her first ever match as world number one as Elena Rybakina closes in
Elena Rybakina is just one victory away from achieving the world number one ranking for the first time in her career.
The Kazakhstani star edged closer to the historic feat after defeating Japanese star Naomi Osaka on Monday.
Rybakina, who triumphed 6-1, 6-4 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, will secure the top spot on the WTA Tour if she defeats Qinwen Zheng; who produced a stunning comeback effort to defeat Iga Swiatek on Monday.
Which WTA player will leave the US Open as the world number one?
Four women are in contention!
If Rybakina were to become world number one, she would join the likes of Serena Williams, Simona Halep and Aryna Sabalenka in reaching the landmark.
Aryna Sabalenka was the last player to make their debut as the world number one following her campaign at the 2023 US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka won her first match as world number one
Sabalenka became the 29th world number one after defeating Qinwen Zheng in the 2023 US Open quarter-finals.
The Belarusian went on to reach the final, where she lost to Coco Gauff.
“Becoming a world number one, it’s a huge improvement and achievement,” Sabalenka told reporters in New York after the final.
“I’m really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become world number one.”
After losing the US Open final, Sabalenka travelled to Beijing for the China Open.
The last 10 WTA world number one-ranked players
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Iga Swiatek
- Ashleigh Barty
- Naomi Osaka
- Simona Halep
- Carolina Wozniacki
- Garbine Muguruza
- Karolina Pliskova
- Angelique Kerber
- Serena Williams
The top seed performed well in her first match as world number one, defeating 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-2.
Sabalenka then defeated Katie Boulter and Jasmine Paolini, setting up a semi-final clash with Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina defeated the world number one, triumphing 7-5, 6-2 in the Chinese capital.
Rybakina went on to lose in the final to Liudmila Samsonova.
Elena Rybakina should feel confident heading into her next match
Rybakina is due to face Qinwen Zheng in the 2026 US Open quarter-finals.
Rybakina has a 4-1 record against the Chinese star; who won the Olympic gold medal for women’s singles in 2024.
The Kazakhstani player has won her last two matches against Zheng, both of which occurred this year.
Rybakina triumphed over the Chinese star in Doha and Madrid, winning both matches in three sets.
The winner of Rybakina and Zheng will face Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals.
