WTA Elena Rybakina WTA Cincinnati 2026 número uno Aryna Sabalenka

Rybakina has the chance to leave Cincinnati as the world No. 1

Fernando Murciego - 20 Aug 2026
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What does Elena Rybakina need to be Nº1 in the world in Cincinnati? Source: Getty

Elena Rybakina is just two steps away from becoming world number one for the first time. The defeat of Aryna Sabalenka against Sara Bejlek in the round of 16 at Cincinnati has swung the door wide open for the Kazakh, who now depends on herself to reach the top of the WTA ranking. To achieve this, she needs to reach the final of the US WTA 1000 event, although the path ahead will not be easy.

The first obstacle will be Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. The Polish player, currently ranked number seven in the world, is also going through an important week and represents one of the toughest rivals after winning the championship last week in Canada. If she manages to overcome the French Open champion, the Kazakh would face the winner of the match between Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. In other words, two matches against players of the highest level separate Rybakina from a goal she has been pursuing for some time.

The calculations are very clear. If Rybakina reaches the final, she would move to the top of the world ranking with 8,576 points, while Sabalenka would remain with 8,575. Just one point would mark the difference between the two. It would also be the first time the Kazakh becomes number one, culminating a progression that has established her as one of the major figures on the circuit, as well as a legendary milestone for her country.

The situation could be even more favorable for Rybakina heading into the US Open. Even if she does not reach the final in Cincinnati, the Kazakh would maintain a lead of at least 1,391 points over the number two after the New York Grand Slam, according to current projections. But first, she will have to overcome Swiatek and then another formidable opponent.

The opportunity is historic, although the reward requires winning two real battles. With Sabalenka eliminated, the number one is within Rybakina's reach. Two small steps separate her from crossing a unique barrier.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina tiene en sus manos salir de Cincinnati como Nº1 del mundo