Elena Rybakina loses to Alina Charaeva in first match as World No. 1
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 9:22 AM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
Elena Rybakina, the newly crowned World No. 1, was defeated by Alina Charaeva, the World No. 118, at the China Open on October 4, 2026. Rybakina entered the tournament as the top seed and faced Charaeva in the first round after receiving a bye. Charaeva won the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, marking her first match against a top-20 player. Coach Rennae Stubbs commented on the challenges of maintaining a top position in women's tennis following such unexpected losses.
- •Rybakina won the US Open before becoming World No. 1 on September 14, 2026.
- •Alina Charaeva's victory took 2 hours and 11 minutes.
- •Rybakina committed four unforced errors in the opening game.
- •Rennae Stubbs highlighted the difficulties players face at the top.
- 9:22 AMYahoo Sports — “Not Easy At The Top” – Serena Williams’ Coach Delivers Reality Check After Elena Rybakina’s Shock Loss Vs World No. 118 At China Open
"Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs reacted to Elena Rybakina’s shocking loss to World No. 118 Alina Charaeva during her first match after becoming World No.
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