Elena Rybakina is celebrating a historic moment after becoming the new world No. 1. She is also the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the top of the WTA rankings.
The 27-year-old secured the ranking after fighting back to defeat Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 and reach her first US Open semifinal.
Rybakina later took to Instagram to celebrate the achievement; she posted:
“Anything is possible when you believe! Proud to represent Kazakhstan and make history as the country’s first world number 1.”
The milestone adds another chapter to what has already been a remarkable year for Rybakina, who won the Australian Open and is now into her fifth Grand Slam semifinal.
Despite her famously calm appearance on court, Rybakina revealed that becoming No. 1 was far from an emotionless experience.
Asked whether she ever “freaks out inside” despite looking so composed, she said:
“No, of course. A lot of things are going on inside. People who know me well long enough read even little changes in my face. It was a bit of a battle inside myself. A lot of emotions. It was quite negative in the beginning, but I found a way. I found the focus. It got better. But definitely, there’s a lot going on always.”
Now, the quiet rise has reached the very top. Elena Rybakina is the world No. 1.
