Elena Rybakina makes history as first Kazakhstan world No 1

Elena Rybakina has reached the pinnacle of women’s tennis, officially securing the WTA world No 1 ranking for the first time in her career.

The 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open champion locked in the milestone following her quarter-final victory over Qinwen Zheng at the US Open at Flushing Meadows, becoming the 30th woman in WTA history – and the first player representing Kazakhstan – to achieve the top spot.

Driven by unmatched serve power and baseline precision, Rybakina’s rise reflects a dominant 12-month run featuring four titles and tour-leading statistics in aces and winners.

Her ascension to world No 1 solidifies her standing as the most formidable and consistent force on the tour.

Semi-final summary: Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff

Elena Rybakina celebrated her new status as world No 1 by mounting a high-octane 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback victory over fourth seed Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach her first career US Open final.

Set 1 (6-3 Gauff): Gauff seized early control, breaking Rybakina with heavy second serves and sharp baseline coverage to claim the opening set comfortably.

Set 2 (6-4 Rybakina): Rybakina adjusted her return strategy, targeting Gauff’s forehand and finding her signature rhythm on serve, firing crucial aces to level the match.

Set 3 (6-4 Rybakina): In a tense decider, Rybakina broke for a 5-3 lead. Though Gauff valiantly broke back while Rybakina served for the match, the new World No. 1 struck right back in the final game to seal the win after two hours of fierce play.

Final showdown

Rybakina now advances to a blockbuster US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a battle for the title.

Regardless of who wins the US Open title, Rybakina will remain number 1 in world tennis when the rankings are officially updated on Monday, 14 September.

Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the 2026 US Open in New York for The South African.