Elena Rybakina has shared her pride at becoming the first player from Kazakhstan to become world number one.
The first woman or man from her country to achieve the feat, Rybakina has reached the summit of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.
Rybakina defeated Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals of the US Open to achieve the feat, which she has now reacted to on social media.
Who will be ranked higher by the end of 2026 – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
Elena Rybakina shares pride at becoming WTA number one
After replacing Aryna Sabalenka in top spot, Rybakina wrote on her Instagram: “Anything is possible when you believe!
“Proud to represent Kazakhstan and make history as the country’s first world number 1.”
It’s a phenomenal achievement from the 27-year-old, who has also just reached her first US Open semifinal.
Rybakina will play Coco Gauff for a place in the final in New York, where either Aryna Sabalenka or Jessica Pegula will await.
How far will Coco Gauff go at the US Open?
Has Elena Rybakina served her way to world number one?
It has been a sensational season for Rybakina, who has claimed two titles at the Australian Open and Stuttgart.
And playing a crucial role in her success has been her phenomenal service game, which has really caught the eye of Rick Macci.
Macci, a former coach of WTA legend Serena Williams, wrote on X: “Rybakina is a world-class clean ball striker. One of the best on the planet.
“She checks that box with a double sharpie. Serve is the best biomechanically by far. That is her bread and butter and she serves it with extra jam.
“Mentally is cool and deserves more credit for that tool. She is a great competitor but feels it and deals it and pulls a different tab than Sab (Sabalenka).
“Her movement is average and little motor skills are not on her menu but that is enough for number one and it is on display at every venue.”
Epitomizing her fantastic efforts in that area, Rybakina leads the entire WTA Tour for aces in the 2026 season.
| Aces | 357 |
| Double faults | 156 |
| 1st serve % | 57.5% |
| 1st serve won | 73.4% |
| 2nd serve won | 50.8% |
| Break points saved | 65.6% |
| Service points won % | 63.8% |
| Service games won | 81.5% |
| Service games played | 617 |
She has recorded a mammoth 357, while her 63.8% service points won figure is second only to Sabalenka’s 64.5%.
The Belarusian, along with American duo Pegula and Gauff, had also been in contention for the number one ranking after the US Open, but Rybakina will take the honor.
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