Rybakina Is On The Fast Track To No.1 in NY – Tennis Now

IF she’s wholesome, Elena Rybakina may have an awesome shot to rise to the No.1 rating after the US Open.

Chris OddoAugust 30, 20262 minute learn

4 WTA gamers have a shot to complete this 12 months’s US Open atop the rankings, however one is on the quick observe. That might be Elena Rybakina, who can guarantee herself a profession milestone by reaching the semifinals, it doesn’t matter what occurs to present World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula. 

Although Rybakina was pressured out of Cincinnati with an harm, she says she is feeling wholesome in New York, even supposing she pulled out of her quarterfinal with Iga Swiatek as a consequence of what appeared like an Achilles harm after simply 5 video games.

“I began to observe, so I really feel properly,” she stated on Sunday. “We’re nonetheless making some changes. However total, I’m joyful how we handled the issue. We labored arduous and certain it’s all good proper now, and it’s only a matter of a pair extra practices.”

Per the WTA, Rybakina can safe the No.1 rating by reaching the semifinals. With a purpose to lengthen her keep at No.1, Aryna Sabalenka, the 2025 defending US Open champion, might want to win the title with Rybakina dropping earlier than the semifinals. 

“I don’t test the rankings, precisely the purpose scenario, however from the media largely I do know the place I ought to get, how the others ought to play. It’s all of the totally different eventualities,” Rybakina stated. “For me, particularly now after I had this harm final week, I really feel like a very powerful factor is to simply attempt to keep wholesome, and play one match at a time, as a result of this isn’t the final match of the 12 months. After all it’s a Grand Slam, and also you wish to do properly. However you’ve loads of alternatives after for those who’re wholesome and you retain on enjoying.”

Sabalenka, Pegula, Gauff every have an opportunity to carry the No.1 rating after the US Open, however might want to win the title to take action. 

Present WTA World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has held the No.1 rating since October 21, 2024. Together with the upcoming weeks on the US Open, Sabalenka will maintain the No.1 rating for 99-consecutive weeks, the sixth longest streak in WTA Rankings historical past. 

Sabalenka will bid for her third consecutive title in New York. If she will handle, she’d be the primary lady to finish a US Open three peat since Serena Williams in 2014. 

If Sabalenka doesn’t win the title she can’t end No.1. 

Rybakina owns an 8-6 lifetime file in New York and has by no means been past the fourth spherical.