Elena Rybakina has secured the top spot in women's tennis—but the official ranking change is still to come.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) says she will become world No. 1 for the first time when its updated rankings are released on Monday, September 14, 2026, after the US Open. Until that update, Aryna Sabalenka remains officially No. 1.
Why the wait until September 14?
That is the date the WTA has set for its post-US Open ranking release. “Clinched” means Rybakina has secured the outcome; it does not mean the published rankings have already changed.
The WTA confirmed her rise after her quarterfinal win over Zheng Qinwen. She then beat Coco Gauff to reach her first US Open final, where she will face Sabalenka.
The ranking and the trophy are separate
For fans following from the Philippines, this is the key distinction: Rybakina does not need to win the final to become No. 1. The WTA says she will take the top spot on Monday regardless of the result, with Sabalenka moving to No. 2.
The final decides the US Open champion. The ranking handover is already secured.
When the September 14 update takes effect, Rybakina will become the 30th woman to reach WTA No. 1 and the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the top ranking.
Read the WTA's official ranking announcement.
Produced by the Rally.ph editorial team with AI assistance.