Elena Rybakina loses in first match as WTA World No. 1 at China Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 7:03 PM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
Elena Rybakina faced Alina Charaeva in the Round of 64 at the China Open on October 3, 2026, marking her first match as the newly crowned WTA World No. 1. Rybakina lost to Charaeva, ranked No. 118, in a match that has drawn significant online criticism. This defeat follows Rybakina's recent victory at the US Open, where she claimed the title and ascended to the top ranking. Despite the loss, Rybakina is already qualified for the year-end WTA Finals and aims to finish the season strong as the defending champion.
- •Rybakina lost to Charaeva in the Round of 64 at the China Open.
- •This is Rybakina's first match since becoming World No. 1.
- •She received backlash on social media following the defeat.
- •Rybakina is still qualified for the WTA Finals as defending champion.
- •More tennis remains in the season to secure her ranking.
- 7:03 PMYahoo Sports — After China Open loss, Elena Rybakina is subject of unnecessary internet criticism
"Elena Rybakina lost her first official match as the new WTA World No. 1. The internet responded in an unnecessary critical and hateful way.
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