Elena Rybakina wins first US Open title and claims world No. 1 ranking
Images | ktf.kz
Kazakhstan’s top-ranked tennis player Elena Rybakina has won the US Open for the first time in her career, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation said.
Following the tournament, Rybakina will also rise to No. 1 in the WTA world rankings for the first time.
In the final, Rybakina defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a match lasting two hours and 23 minutes.
The Kazakh player fired 12 aces, committed five double faults and converted three of her 12 break-point opportunities.
The US Open title is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam singles trophy. She won her first major at Wimbledon in 2022. Earlier in 2026, she claimed the Australian Open title before adding the US Open trophy to her collection.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Rybakina on her historic victory.
"This remarkable achievement is clear confirmation that you have deservedly earned the title of world No. 1. Once again, you have demonstrated true professionalism, determination and impeccable conduct on the court. All of Kazakhstan is proud of your achievements! May this impressive victory inspire you to further sporting success, and may your skill serve as an example to all young tennis players in Kazakhstan," the president said in his congratulatory message.
President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation Bulat Utemuratov also congratulated Rybakina on her victory.
"This is a tremendous victory for Elena and a historic day for Kazakh tennis. I thank Elena for once again giving everything in the fight and demonstrating the highest level of tennis on one of the world’s biggest stages. Elena continues to embody the successful development of tennis in our country, and her rise to the very top of world tennis will be a powerful source of inspiration for the younger generation of Kazakh players, whom we will continue to support in every possible way," Utemuratov said.
The US Open victory marks another historic achievement for Rybakina in the 2026 season. Following the tournament, she will become world No. 1 for the first time in her career.
Rybakina is the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach No. 1 in the world singles rankings.
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