Elena Rybakina has made history for Kazakhstan. The 2022 Wimbledon champion became the first player representing Kazakhstan to secure the world No. 1 ranking on Wednesday after reaching the US Open 2026 semifinals. Her breakthrough comes after a campaign that looked far from certain only a few weeks ago.
Rybakina had retired injured from the Cincinnati tournament last month and had barely more than a week to get herself ready for the year’s final Grand Slam. There were questions over whether she would be able to arrive in New York at her best. But those concerns have disappeared.
Rybakina battled past Zheng Qinwen for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows, and the victory also guaranteed that she will move to the top of the rankings when they are updated on Monday.
Rybakina will next face 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff, who overcame a frigid start to post a 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 victory over No. 5 Mirra Andreeva of Russia.
WATCH the moment Rybakina made history and became the new world No. 1.
Elena Rybakina’s No. 1 crowning moment at the U.S. Open.
The ice queen has conquered the mountain. ❄️
World. Number. One. 🥹
🇰🇿🩵 pic.twitter.com/cPvDA92tUp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
Rybakina Reaches World No. 1 After Remarkable US Open Run
The second seed admitted the journey has been a remarkable one considering where she was heading into the tournament.
Elena Rybakina, una tipa con los pies en la tierra.
🗣️ “Bueno, es solo un número ahora mismo. Por supuesto, estoy en semifinales, así que mi objetivo es ganar los torneos que juego”.
🗣️ “Voy partido a partido. Es un logro increíble, pero ya saben lo rápido que puede cambiar…
— Tiempo De Tenis (@Tiempodetenis1) September 9, 2026
“I think from where I was coming to this tournament, being injured and not practising, I think we came pretty far,” Rybakina said.
Elena Rybakina was asked about Jannik Sinner’s statement at Roland Garros that he has a storm inside when he’s playing, ‘I’m trying to hide it… you just don’t want to let your opponent see your frustration’
“Talking about emotions… There a guy on the men’s side called Jannik… pic.twitter.com/ulIVIbBIMZ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2026
She will now face 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff for a place in the final, but regardless of what happens in that match, her place at the top of women’s tennis is already secured.
Rybakina becomes the 30th woman in tennis history to reach the world No. 1 ranking, dethroning Aryna Sabalenka.
It is another landmark moment for a player who has transformed Kazakhstan’s profile on the global tennis stage.
Rybakina Proud to Represent Kazakhstan
Born in Russia, Rybakina switched her allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018, receiving greater financial support as she developed her career.
Since then, she has become Kazakhstan’s first Grand Slam singles champion, winning Wimbledon in 2022 before adding the Australian Open title earlier this year.
The new world No. 1 said she was particularly proud of what her success has meant for young players back home.
“I’m very proud representing Kazakhstan. Every time I come back to Kazakhstan, no matter which city I go, it’s always so many kids,” she said. “Now they play tennis, and more and more are coming to the tennis facilities.”
Kazakhstan Tennis Federation president Bulat Utemuratov described the achievement as a “historic day”, adding that Rybakina’s rise to the top would inspire the country’s younger generation of tennis players.
From an injury scare in Cincinnati to becoming the world’s best-ranked women’s player just weeks later, Rybakina has produced quite a turnaround in New York.
(With inputs from Reuters)
