Elena Rybakina will begin the China Open as the new world No. 1, but the 3-time Grand Slam champion is not planning to slow down after reaching the top of the WTA rankings for the first time. The Kazakh arrives in Beijing with another major objective in mind: finishing the season at No. 1 and holding on to the position through a demanding final stretch.
Rybakina claimed her third Grand Slam title in New York after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, repeating her victory over the Belarusian from the Australian Open final earlier this year. The result also allowed her to take over the top ranking from Sabalenka, ending her 99-week run at No. 1.
The achievement makes Rybakina the 30th different player to reach the summit of the WTA rankings. However, her first tournament as world No. 1 comes with a difficult schedule and a significant number of ranking points to defend. She reached the third round in Beijing last year before making the quarterfinals in Wuhan, while she will also defend her title in Ningbo and then her WTA Finals crown.
That leaves the door open for Sabalenka to reclaim the top spot during the closing weeks of the season. For now, however, Rybakina is focused on extending her stay at No. 1 rather than looking too far ahead.
Rybakina still feeling foot injury
The Kazakh also provided an update on her physical condition ahead of her Beijing campaign. Rybakina explained that the foot problem improved while she was resting, but returning to competition has brought some discomfort back.
“When I was resting, my foot was getting better. Now that I'm back on court, I still feel it at times. I'm trying to push my limits and see how far I can go in this tournament.”
Rybakina also acknowledged that there had been plenty happening away from the court following her US Open triumph, but said she feels in a better place mentally as she prepares to compete again. “Mentally, I'm doing better. There was a lot going on after the US Open, that's for sure. But yes, I'm ready.”
Her immediate challenge will be to manage the physical demands of the Asian swing while protecting a substantial amount of ranking points. The No. 1 ranking gives her a new position in the WTA, but it also means every tournament during the final weeks of the season carries significant consequences.
Elena Rybakina poses with the Championship Trophy after defeating Aryna Sabalenka at the finals in Arthur Ashe Stadium during The US Open
A new target after reaching No. 1
Rybakina had already hinted at her ambitions for the remainder of the season after winning the US Open. With the career Grand Slam now still one French Open title away, the Kazakh has already turned her attention toward what comes next.
“I think at the US Open I said it will be nice to win French Open, then it’s going to be four Slams,” Rybakina said at press conference. “I mean, now I’m No. 1, which is great. Still it’s not end of the season. I would like to push and finish at No. 1.”
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Rybakina knows that maintaining the position will be difficult. The WTA Finals race remains packed with elite players, while Sabalenka has plenty of opportunities to close the gap during the final tournaments of the year.
“I mean, who knows what’s going to happen. It’s a lot of good players, a lot of tough opponents. Anything can change. I mean, that’s the goal now.”
The China Open therefore marks the beginning of Rybakina's first campaign as world No. 1, with the Kazakh balancing an ongoing physical issue, a demanding points defence and the possibility of ending 2026 at the top of the rankings.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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