Aryna Sabalenka watches as Elena Rybakina takes her No. 1 throne

Aryna Sabalenkova’s 99-week reign as world number one among women is coming to an end, Elena Rybakina officially took over the top spot after the semi-finals of the US Open. As Rybakina celebrated the milestone she had dreamed of, ESPN caught Sabalenka’s live reaction to the changing of the guards.

Rybakina fought back after a set to defeat Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to book her place in the last four at Flushing Meadows. The victory gave her enough ranking points to move above Sabalenkova when the WTA rankings update ends on Monday, ending the Belarusian’s long run at No.1.

These courts will make her feel brand new (World No. 1)

Elena Rybakina beats Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach US Open semi-finals and clinch top spot on WTA! pic.twitter.com/vA4KKSLYZc— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026

Interestingly, Sabalenka was not completely removed from the moment. The four-time Grand Slam champion was in the middle of training when she stopped to watch the closing stages of Rybakin’s quarter-final, with ESPN capturing her reaction after the Kazakh sealed victory.

Rybakina’s achievement is a historic moment for Kazakhstan as she became the first player representing the country, male or female, to reach No. 1. However, Sabalenkova still has a lot to play for as she is still in contention for a third consecutive US Open title.

SABALENKA WATCHES THE MOMENT, THEN GOES BACK TO WORK

Sabalenka stopped practice briefly to watch Rybakina close out the match. Once the result was confirmed, she returned to her training, seemingly wasting little time thinking about losing her place.

Meanwhile, Rybakina admitted that the significance of this moment had not yet fully sunk in.

“Becoming world number one on the WTA circuit is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl, it means a lot to me,” said Rybakina.

“I am so proud of this moment. I want to thank my whole team for their support and for celebrating this achievement with me.”

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE SABALENKA-RYBAKINA RIVALRY

A change at the top adds another chapter to an increasingly interesting rivalry. Rybakina defeated Sabalenkova in the final of the Australian Open earlier this year, before the Belarusian responded with victories at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

With both players still living in New York, another showdown cannot be ruled out. Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the semifinals, while Sabalenkova will continue her quest for another US Open crown.

Although the No. 1 ranking now belongs to Rybakin, Sabalenka still has a chance to finish her campaign in New York with the trophy in hand.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

10 Sep 2026 07:46 IST