Women's world number one ranking remains contested at the US Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 11:03 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
The US Open in New York serves as the pivotal event for the WTA world number one ranking. While ATP top-ranked player Jannik Sinner remains secure in his position, current WTA leader Aryna Sabalenka faces a challenge from several competitors. Eight players, including Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, maintain mathematical chances to ascend to the top spot based on their performance at the tournament. Sabalenka, who has held the top ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, seeks to win her third consecutive US Open title. Meanwhile, Rybakina enters the field managing a recent leg injury sustained in Cincinnati.
- •Aryna Sabalenka must win the tournament to defend her current number one ranking.
- •Elena Rybakina will reach number one by advancing to the tournament semifinals.
- •Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula can take the top ranking if they win the US Open.
- •The top nine ranked women have each secured a Grand Slam or Masters 1000 title in 2026.
- •Aryna Sabalenka aims to join Serena Williams and Chris Evert as a three-time consecutive US Open winner.
- 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — How 2026 US Open will determine the race for No. 1 in women's tennis
"Elena Rybakina is one of a handful of players who could wrest the WTA No. 1 ranking away from Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 1:01 PMJohn McEnroe gets 'serious' as he dishes on top US Open men's contenders
ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 1:00 PMThe gutting of tennis media needs to be addressed sooner rather than later
ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 12:05 PMFormer Texas tennis coach Michael Center finds purpose after scandal, prison and a lost career
ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 11:30 AMThe 2026 US Open Is Felix Auger-Aliassime’s Chance He Has To Take
ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 11:18 AM'He belongs at the top of the game' - Fery faces world No 14 Musetti at US Open- ATP•Aug 31, 2026, 9:31 AMAryna Sabalenka’s U.S. Open titles are built on an empire state of mind. Can she find it again?