Rybakina wins US Open and takes top spot in WTA rankings

Elena Rybakina won the US Open title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6:4, 5:7, 6:2 in New York and recording her third Grand Slam tournament victory in her career.

On Monday, following the publication of the new WTA rankings, Rybakina will officially claim first place — a historic first for Kazakhstani tennis. She secured the right to the top position following the quarterfinals, where she defeated Zheng Qinwen.

Sabalenka entered the final as the reigning world number one and two-time US Open champion. The final was a repeat of this year's Australian Open final — and once again ended in victory for Rybakina.

On her path to the final, the Kazakhstani tennis player defeated Naomi Osaka, Zheng Qinwen, and Coco Gauff. The New York title added to victories at Wimbledon 2022 and Australian Open 2023 — Rybakina has won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

"I am very proud to represent Kazakhstan," Rybakina said during the tournament, adding that her success is generating growing interest in tennis among children in the country.