Elena Rybakina Returns To China Open As New World No. 1

After her first US Open championship, Elena Rybakina returns to action as the new world No. 1 in the China Open.

The Kazakh sensation lands in Beijing after a hectic few week following her breakthrough win in New York.

Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final to secure her third Grand Slam crown.

It was also a massive ranking breakthrough for her but Rybakina became the 30th different player to achieve No. 1 in WTA singles history and the first Kazakh woman to be at the top.

Replacing Sabalenka, who had held the No. 1 spot for 99 consecutive weeks.

The rapid turnaround has made the China Open a different type of challenge. Since the US Open, Rybakina has been enjoying her accomplishment, making media appearances and participating in events, before heading to Asia.

Her schedule is a busy one, but her objective is to compete in Beijing and remain at the top of the standings. As her first tournament as world No. 1, there is another major target on the line: finishing the season at No. 1.

Rybakina was already having a fantastic 2026 season but she won the Australian Open earlier this year before adding the US Open crown in September.

Her victory over Sabalenka in New York was also her first over her compatriot since beating her in the Australian Open final.

The China Open is an opportunity for Rybakina to build momentum ahead of the season ending WTA Finals.

Rybakina has reached the pinnacle of women’s tennis and now she has a new challenge holding it through the rest of the 2026 events.