By defeating Yulia Putintseva in the round of 16 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Elena Rybakina guaranteed her spot as the top-ranked women’s singles player at the end of the year.
Winning the match 6-2, 6-3 ensures that Rybakina remains unreachable at the summit during the final weeks of an exceptional season, highlighted by her Grand Slam triumphs at both the Australian Open and the US Open.
Having claimed her fourth trophy of 2026 at the Ningbo Open just last week, Rybakina bypassed the opening round in Tokyo before delivering six aces and hitting 25 winning shots to overcome Putintseva.
In the quarter-finals in Tokyo, she is set to face ex-US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, whom she previously defeated 6-2, 6-2 to take the Ningbo Open crown.
Reflecting on locking in the top spot, Rybakina remarked: “It holds huge significance. It’s a goal my team and I have consistently strived toward.
“There are numerous exceptional competitors and the margin between us is tiny, so I’m thrilled that my success last week combined with today’s result allowed me to lock down the year-end world number one.
“It feels like an incredible milestone, and I hope we can keep up this momentum moving into the upcoming season.”
Representing Kazakhstan alongside Putintseva, the 27-year-old defeated Sabalenka in the championship matches of both major tournaments in Melbourne and New York this year, replacing the Belarusian at the top of the global rankings in September.
Her progression past China’s Zheng Qinwen during the US Open quarter-finals ultimately confirmed her ascent to the pinnacle of the singles standings for the very first time.
Looking ahead, Rybakina will focus on defending her crown at the year-ending WTA Finals, scheduled to run from 8 to 15 November in Indian Wells.
