Elena Rybakina advances as WTA world number one race continues at US Open

Elena Rybakina reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open after ousting Naomi Osaka in the Round of 16. The victory keeps Rybakina in contention to overtake current world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the top ranking. Rybakina is the only player among the contenders who can secure the number one spot without winning the entire tournament; she needs a quarterfinal victory over Qinwen Zheng to claim it. If Rybakina falls to Zheng, challengers Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula remain eligible to move into the top position by winning the US Open title. Meanwhile, Sabalenka retains her standing if she successfully defends her 2025 US Open championship. Other quarterfinalists, including Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova, are contending for spots in the top five of the WTA rankings as the tournament enters its final stages.

• 10:03 PMYahoo Sports — WTA World No. 1 race intensifies with Elena Rybakina R4 US Open win