Rybakina clinches year-end World No. 1 ranking with Tokyo win; Osaka suffers upset

Elena Rybakina secured the year-end World No. 1 ranking after defeating Yulia Putintseva in the second round of the Pan Pacific Open. | Photo Credit: AFP

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina secured the year-end top ranking after defeating Yulia Putintseva in the second round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Thursday, while home favourite Naomi Osaka suffered an early exit.

Rybakina registered a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory to reach the quarterfinals and ensure she finishes 2026 at the top of the WTA rankings.

The 27-year-old Kazakh has enjoyed a successful season, winning the Australian Open and US Open titles, alongside victories in Stuttgart and Ningbo.

Having previously won Wimbledon in 2022, Rybakina now needs only the French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam.

Rybakina, who became World No. 1 for the first time following her US Open triumph, described securing the year-end ranking as a special achievement.

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She said she was proud of her performances and consistency throughout the season.

The Kazakh will receive a trophy recognising her achievement during a special ceremony at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, scheduled from November 8 to 15.

Meanwhile, former World No. 1 Osaka was knocked out by 18-year-old Slovakian wildcard Mia Pohankova, who recorded a 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Pohankova, who won the Wimbledon junior singles title in 2025, will face Alycia Parks in the next round.

Osaka had begun her campaign with a victory over Jasmine Paolini in the opening round.

Elsewhere, Leylah Fernandez defeated 14th-ranked Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-6 (8) to advance.