Elena Rybakina secured the world number one ranking for the first time before the WTA Finals at the end of the year

Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan (Image: REUTERS) Elena Rybakina added another milestone to an outstanding 2026 season, securing the year-end world number one ranking for the first time in her career after defeating compatriot Yulia Putintseva in the second round of the Pan Pacific Open on Thursday.The Kazakh eased past Putintseva 6-2, 6-3 at the WTA 500 in Tokyo to seal the top spot more than a week before the season-ending WTA Finals. Rybakina needed just one victory this year to ensure that world number two Aryna Sabalenkova could no longer overtake her in the rankings.The feat makes Rybakina the 17th player in WTA history to end the season as world No. 1, joining an elite group of female champions that includes Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Martina Navratilová, Chris Evert, Justine Henin, Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka.Rybakina topped the rankings for the first time in September after her triumph at the US Open. Her latest victory confirms that she will end the year at the top of women’s tennis.

Two Grand Slam titles headline Rybakin’s stellar season

The 27-year-old enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning the Australian Open and the US Open, taking her Grand Slam tally to three. She previously won Wimbledon in 2022.In addition to the major triumphs, Rybakina won titles in Stuttgart and Ningbu, bringing her tally to four for the 2026 season. Her victory in Ningbo last week was particularly significant, marking her first world number one title and first successful title defence.Her season was not without setbacks. After triumphing at the US Open, Rybakina suffered an opening-round defeat in Beijing and subsequently missed the Wuhan Open due to a leg injury. However, she returned to winning ways in Ningbo and carried that momentum into Tokyo.

Rybakina faces Fernandez next

Rybakina will next face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in a rematch of the Ningbo Open final. Fernandez booked her place in the quarterfinals by defeating Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-6(8).