Rybakina on her chances of being number 1: "I try not to think about it"
Elena Rybakina took a giant step in Toronto by coming back against Liudmila Samsonova, winning 6-4, 4-6, and 6-4, surviving a critical situation in the third set. The Kazakh player was down 3-0 and faced a double break disadvantage, but reacted in time to complete a victory that could be crucial in her quest to reach the number 1 in the world.
The triumph is even more valuable after the elimination of Aryna Sabalenka, as the Kazakh is positioned to leave the WTA 1000 Toronto 2026 just four points behind the Belarusian if she wins the title.
Rybakina doesn’t want to think about number 1
When asked about the possibility of being just four points behind Sabalenka if she wins the Toronto title, Rybakina tried to downplay the ranking. "I try not to think about it because I still have to win a lot of matches," the Kazakh explained.
When there's a will, there's a way 😤
Elena Rybakina overcomes Samsonova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to return to the Toronto quarterfinals.#NBO26 pic.twitter.com/DAgkZGZAzm— wta (@WTA) August 9, 2026
The Wimbledon champion also acknowledged that she was not at the desired level during the grass tour, so she considers it especially important to see that the work done in recent weeks is paying off. "For me, the most important thing right now is to see how I continue to improve," she stated.
Rybakina herself believes that matches of this nature can become a confidence boost heading into the US Open. Her next goal will be to improve especially with her returning and to capitalize on opportunities earlier, avoiding being forced to constantly come back.
Now she awaits a rival between Naomi Osaka or Leylah Fernandez, two players with very different profiles. What is clear is that the challenge will be maximum for Elena Rybakina in her quest to advance further in the WTA 1000 Toronto 2026, a tournament that could be a turning point in the Kazakh's season.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina, sobre sus opciones de ser número 1: "Intento no pensar en ello"