Elena Rybakina secures WTA number one ranking ahead of US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka

New number one on Arthur Ashe Stadium

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka meet on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at 22:00 Polish time on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the US Open final. Regardless of the outcome in New York, Rybakina will officially overtake Sabalenka on Monday to become the 30th player in WTA history to hold the world number one ranking. The 27-year-old representative of Kazakhstan secured the top spot during the tournament following her quarterfinal victory over Qinwen Zheng and her semifinal progression.

Sabalenka reflected on relinquishing the top position despite her run to the final.

“It is a bit of a strange feeling that you can perform well in a tournament and still lose the top spot. But it is fine. That is sport. That is what I like about it. Everyone is chasing everyone. It is about small things that you can improve and thanks to which you can keep getting better.”

Following Rybakina's achievement, the president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, issued a message of congratulations conveyed by presidential spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov.

“Advancement to the number one spot in the WTA ranking is a sporting peak that you reached thanks to phenomenal talent, immense hard work, and unwavering faith in your own abilities. With this success you brought fame to Kazakh sport and wrote yourself into the history of world tennis.”

Road to the New York final

The 2026 tournament marked the first time in 51 years that the four highest-seeded women reached the US Open semifinals, an occurrence unseen at any Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon in 2009. Sabalenka, seeded first, defeated third seed Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to earn her place in the final. Rybakina advanced by overcoming fourth seed Coco Gauff in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The match presents Sabalenka with an opportunity to claim her fifth Grand Slam singles title and third consecutive US Open championship. A victory would match Serena Williams, who won three consecutive titles in New York between 2012 and 2014. Sabalenka previously won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 alongside her two New York titles, while recording four losses in Grand Slam finals. Rybakina enters the contest with two Grand Slam singles titles, having won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026.

Rivalry and head-to-head record

Saturday's final is the 18th career meeting between the two players. Sabalenka leads the overall series with 10 victories to Rybakina's 7.

Aryna Sabalenka10

Elena Rybakina7

Aryna Sabalenka

10 wins

Elena Rybakina

7 wins

Data from the article text

The two players met three times earlier in 2026 prior to the final in Flushing Meadows. Rybakina won their first encounter of the season in the Australian Open final (6-4, 4-6, 6-4), while Sabalenka won the subsequent two matches at Indian Wells and Miami.

Physical preparation and tactical balance

Rybakina outlined the demands of facing Sabalenka, addressing both tactical execution and physical management after managing injuries throughout her career.

“We have competed against each other many times. She is a very aggressive player. It is difficult to play against her, mentally and physically, because she has great tennis and a powerful serve.”

Rybakina added that decision-making under pressure remains critical during their matches. She noted that her team continues to manage recurring physical concerns to maintain her competitive level throughout the season. Sabalenka stated that her priority in the final is executing her game plan after an inconsistent middle phase of the season.