Rybakina becomes WTA World No. 1 after US Open triumph

Elena Rybakina has officially become the new WTA World No. 1, ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign at the top of women's tennis. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan secured the top ranking after winning the 2026 US Open, defeating Sabalenka in the final with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Rybakina's victory at Flushing Meadows was her third Grand Slam title and her second of the year, following her Australian Open triumph. She is the 30th different woman to hold the No. 1 ranking since the computerized system began in 1975. The win capped a dominant season in which she has matched Sabalenka and French Open winner Mirra Andreeva with a tour-high three titles. Sabalenka, who had been No. 1 since October 21, 2024, now faces pressure from American players Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff for the No. 2 spot. Pegula is 610 points behind Sabalenka, with Gauff a further 21 points back. The Belarusian conceded that reclaiming the top position would be difficult if Rybakina maintains her current form. Rybakina's path to the title was complicated by a foot injury sustained at the Cincinnati Open the week before the US Open.