Rybakina on the verge of securing the number 1 spot by the end of the year

Elena Rybakina may soon achieve the big goal she set for herself at the end of this season. Following a resounding debut at the WTA 500 Tokyo 2026, where she defeated her compatriot Yulia Putintseva 6-2 6-3, the current number 1 in the WTA rankings can secure her spot at the top until the start of next season and thus, finish the year as number 1.

The math is clear: if Rybakina wins her next match at the WTA 500 Tokyo 2026 against Canadian Leylah Fernández, she will gain a lead in the WTA Race over Aryna Sabalenka of more than 1,500 points, meaning nothing that happens at the WTA Finals 2026 could take away Rybakina's honor of finishing the year at the top of the rankings.

Rybakina is almost certain to finish as the number 1 in the world this season

This would give Elena Rybakina significant peace of mind as she faces the Masters tournament and seeks the cherry on top in the form of a title for an unforgettable season. It's worth noting that just a few days ago she also defeated Leylah Fernández in the Ningbo tournament final, so there will be great anticipation to see if the news is confirmed or if the Canadian postpones it until the start of the WTA Finals.

Aside from this, Elena Rybakina is the strong favorite to win the title at WTA Tokyo 2026, as the most dangerous rivals she could face in the final would be Eala and Shnaider, while in the semifinals she would face the winner of the match between Joint and Rakhimova.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina, a un partido de asegurarse el número 1 a final de año