Elena Rybakina is moving closer to one of the biggest milestones of her tennis career as her impressive US Open 2026 campaign has put the WTA World No. 1 ranking within reach.
The Kazakhstan star produced another commanding performance in New York, defeating former US Open champion Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 in the fourth round. The victory sent Rybakina into the US Open quarterfinals for the first time in her career and strengthened her chances of reaching the top of the women’s tennis rankings.
Elena Rybakina Moves Closer to World No. 1
Rybakina entered the 2026 US Open as the World No. 2 player and one of the strongest contenders to challenge Aryna Sabalenka for the top ranking.
Her strong run at Flushing Meadows has now created a major opportunity. Rybakina is just one victory away from potentially becoming World No. 1 for the first time in her career.
The ranking battle has added another layer of excitement to the closing stages of the US Open, with every match potentially having major consequences for the WTA standings.
Rybakina Dominates Naomi Osaka
Rybakina delivered one of her strongest performances of the tournament against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
The match lasted just over an hour, with Rybakina controlling the contest through powerful serving, aggressive baseline play and consistently deep groundstrokes.
She dominated the opening set before maintaining control in the second to complete a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
The result also meant that Rybakina completed an important career milestone: she has now reached at least the quarterfinal stage at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
First US Open Quarterfinal for Rybakina
Despite already being a Grand Slam champion, the US Open had previously been one of the tournaments where Rybakina had struggled to make a deep run.
That changed in 2026.
Her victory over Osaka secured her first appearance in the last eight in New York, making this her best US Open performance so far.
Even more impressively, Rybakina has progressed through the tournament without dropping a set, demonstrating the consistency that has made her one of the leading players in women’s tennis.
Rybakina vs Zheng Qinwen Next
Rybakina will next face Zheng Qinwen in the US Open quarterfinals.
Zheng booked her place in the last eight after defeating Iga Swiatek and enters the match with strong momentum.
The Rybakina vs Zheng quarterfinal could therefore become one of the most important matches of the tournament.
For Rybakina, the stakes are particularly high.
A victory would not only move her into the US Open semifinals, but could also be enough for her to overtake Aryna Sabalenka and become the new WTA World No. 1.
Rybakina’s Strong 2026 Season
Rybakina’s US Open success follows an impressive 2026 season.
She has continued to establish herself among the most dangerous players on the women’s tour, combining one of the strongest serves in tennis with powerful groundstrokes and increasingly consistent performances at major tournaments.
Her ability to perform on different surfaces has also strengthened her position among the elite players in women’s tennis.
A rise to World No. 1 would represent another major achievement in a career that already includes multiple Grand Slam successes.
Can Elena Rybakina Become World No. 1?
The answer could be decided in her next match.
Rybakina now controls much of her own destiny in the race for the top ranking. If she continues her winning run in New York, the 2026 US Open could become the tournament where she reaches the summit of women’s tennis for the first time.
However, Zheng Qinwen is unlikely to provide an easy challenge.
With both players entering the quarterfinal in strong form, tennis fans can expect a high-quality battle with major implications for both the tournament and the WTA rankings.
What’s Next for Elena Rybakina?
All eyes will now turn to the highly anticipated Elena Rybakina vs Zheng Qinwen US Open 2026 quarterfinal.
For Rybakina, victory could deliver two significant achievements at once — a place in the US Open semifinals and the opportunity to become the new World No. 1 in women’s tennis.
After dominating Naomi Osaka and producing one of her strongest US Open campaigns, Rybakina is now closer than ever to reaching the top of the WTA rankings.
Her next match could prove to be one of the most important of her career.