WTA Rankings Update: Rybakina seizes World No.1 spot from Sabalenka, Zheng climbs 69 places while Raducanu closes on top 100 exit

A huge change has emerged in the WTA Rankings following the US Open. So many storylines have been created in New York with the fourth and final Grand Slam of the campaign brewing up a lot of drama.

We have a new World No.1 in the form of Elena Rybakina. It was confirmed that she would usurp Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the order, but winning the title puts the cherry on top of what was a tremendous week.

It ends a 99-week stint in which Sabalenka held a commanding lead over the rest of the WTA Tour, aided by her incredible US Open form. However, she was unable to replicate her title heroics of the last two years. This time three years ago, she debuted in No.1, but will now have to work her way back up.

Away from the main story, semi-finalists Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff stay put in third and fourth with Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova following in suit. Elina Svitolina and Karolina Muchova exited earlier than a number of the other top competitors but still remain put in the top 10.

It was a nightmare for Iga Swiatek, who takes a step back after what was a productive North American hardcourt swing. Down in ninth, she can take positives from the recent WTA 1000 events, but it is the first year since 2021 where the Pole has failed to reach the semi-finals of any major event.

Marta Kostyuk finally debuts in the top 10, leaping above Amanda Anisimova, who is going the other way. 1,170 points have been swiped away, but a big drop is not on the cards for the time being. Points from the China Open title and WTA Finals semi-final are on the line, especially the latter, which the American is not close to qualifying for.

In her final year on tour, Sorana Cirstea continues to impress. It is only a second last-16 appearance at Flushing Meadows, but that secures the Romanian another career high of 15th in the world. Two-time champion Naomi Osaka falls to 17th just ahead of Alexandra Eala.

New career highs for Sara Bejlek and Diane Parry in 28th and 30th respectively. Katerina Siniakova won the women’s doubles event but has gained some places in the singles too in 35th. The Ukrainian trio of Oleksandra Oliynykova, Daria Snigur and Yuliia Starodubtseva all achieved career highs in 41st, 42nd and 43rd.

The big move in the rankings was Zheng Qinwen. The Chinese qualifier completed some stunning comebacks en route to the quarter-finals where Rybakina saw her off in three. She is still miles off where she wants to be, but gaining 69 positions is a huge step in the right direction with the World No.52 relishing a return to Asia.

Paula Badosa is also going in the right direction in 70th as former top 10 talent Daria Kasatkina drops 24 places to 85th. 2021 champion Emma Raducanu missed yet another tournament in what has been a turbulent 2026 campaign despite the positives of two WTA finals. She falls to 89th after the latest plummet, and it is not set to stop with another drop in the rankings due for next week, leaving her on the brink of a top 100 departure.

Some of the big winners include Kimberly Birrell (+15 to 56th), Lanlana Tararudee (+15 to 61st), Kamilla Rakhimova (+16 to 76th) and Sofia Kenin (+10 to 100th.)

Going the other way are Janice Tjen (-15 to 51st), Magdalena Frech (-16 to 57th), Ashlyn Krueger (-11 to 71st), Panna Udvardy (-15 to 83rd), Draja Vidmanova (-11 to 86th) and Renata Zarazua (-17 to 91st).

(as per livetennis.eu)