Rybakina Says World No. 1 Status Has Brought More Attention

Posted : 27 October 2026

Elena Rybakina has revealed that becoming the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player has brought her increased attention as she targets the year-end No. 1 position at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. The Kazakh star rose to the summit after winning the US Open in September, overtaking Aryna Sabalenka and becoming the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the top of the singles rankings.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season, winning the Australian Open in January before adding the US Open and the Ningbo Open title to her achievements. Her victory over Leylah Fernandez in the Ningbo final last Sunday secured her fourth title of the season and strengthened her position in the race to finish the year at No. 1.

Speaking ahead of the Tokyo tournament, Rybakina acknowledged that her elevated status had made her more recognisable wherever she went. She described the additional attention as a positive development but stressed that reaching the top of the rankings was another milestone rather than the end of her ambitions.

Rybakina has an opportunity to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking in Tokyo if she wins her opening match. As the tournament’s top seed, she received a first-round bye and is scheduled to face either Maria Sakkari or fellow Kazakh Yulia Putintseva in the second round. If she does not clinch the ranking in Japan, she can still confirm it by winning a match at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells next month.

Her preparations have not been entirely straightforward. Following her US Open triumph, Rybakina admitted that she was physically and mentally exhausted. She took time away from competition before returning at the China Open in Beijing, where she suffered a surprise first-round defeat to Alina Charaeva, ranked outside the world’s top 100.

A foot problem subsequently forced her to withdraw from the Wuhan Open, raising concerns about her fitness during the closing stages of the season. However, her successful title defence in Ningbo provided a timely confidence boost as she continues to manage the injury.

Rybakina said her foot was improving gradually and described her recent tournaments as valuable preparation for the season-ending championships. With the WTA Finals approaching, she is focused on regaining full fitness, finding consistency and maintaining the level that has taken her to the top of women's tennis.

Although securing the year-end No. 1 ranking remains a major objective, Rybakina is also keen to build momentum for the WTA Finals, where she will defend her title. Her recent results have placed her in a strong position to finish the season at the summit, potentially adding another landmark achievement to an already exceptional year.

Rybakina Says World No. 1 Status Has Brought More Attention

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