Rybakina reaches World No. 1 summit with US Open Triumph

Elena Rybakina completed a remarkable rise to the top of women’s tennis by winning her first US Open title on Saturday, but even as she became the new world No. 1, the Kazakh star remained one of the most enigmatic figures in the sport.

Her explosive power and precise tennis are impossible to miss on court. What is much harder to read, however, are the emotions behind them — and that appears to be exactly how Rybakina wants it.

“Elena is not nonchalant, I don’t want to say that, but just no reaction ever,” said American Coco Gauff, who lost to Rybakina in the US Open semi-finals.

“We’re all feeling nerves and stuff. Now, how much of that she lets get to her, we don’t know, and I think that’s the strength of her. You can never see what she’s feeling.”

A Champion Who Keeps Her Emotions Hidden

When Rybakina defeated Ons Jabeur to win her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, there was no dramatic celebration.

Instead, she simply raised a clenched fist before calmly returning to her chair.

“I’m going to have to teach her how to celebrate properly,” Jabeur joked at the time.

Rybakina insists, however, that her understated reactions are not a sign that she does not feel the pressure or excitement. Rather, controlling those emotions is part of her strategy.

“Well, it’s a lot of emotions,” she said. “I’m trying to hide it, because you just don’t want to let the opponent also see your frustration when something is going wrong.”

“People who know me well, long enough, they read even little changes in my face.”

From Moscow to the Top of the Tennis World

Born in Moscow, Rybakina chose to represent Kazakhstan in 2018, a decision that attracted considerable attention, particularly after she began making her breakthrough on the international stage.

She was just 19 and ranked 175th in the world when she made the switch, while Russian players were banned from competing under their country’s flag following the invasion of Ukraine.

The decision has remained a topic of discussion throughout her career, but Rybakina has repeatedly made clear how grateful she is to Kazakhstan for supporting her development.

When questions arose following her Wimbledon breakthrough, she was emphatic.

“They believed in me. There is no more question about how I feel,” she said.

After reaching the US Open semi-finals and securing the world No. 1 ranking, Rybakina again spoke proudly about the impact of representing Kazakhstan.

“Every time I come back to Kazakhstan, no matter which city I go, it’s always so many kids,” she said.

“Now they play tennis, and more and more are coming to the tennis facilities. It just proves that everything is possible if you believe, if you work hard.”

Tennis Was Once ‘Just for Fun’

Perhaps surprisingly, Rybakina says becoming a professional tennis player was never part of her childhood plans.

“I never thought that I’m going to be professional or I’m going to be even playing on these kind of tournaments on the biggest stages,” she said.

“I was just enjoying playing tennis after school, hanging out with the friends. It was just for fun.”

That casual pastime has since developed into a remarkable career.

Rybakina is now a three-time Grand Slam champion, having defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in January to claim her second major title, four years after her Wimbledon triumph.

Vukov Controversy Adds to Her Journey

Her rise has not been without turbulence away from the court.

Rybakina’s former coach Stefano Vukov, who guided her to her Wimbledon triumph, was suspended by the WTA over a potential breach of the organisation’s code of conduct.

Vukov was accused of displaying harsh and abusive behaviour towards players, allegations he denied.

The situation clearly frustrated Rybakina. She refused to pose for a photograph with WTA chief executive Portia Archer after winning the Riyadh Masters in November 2025.

Following the lifting of his suspension, Vukov returned to Rybakina’s team.

Despite the off-court distractions, her performances have continued to improve.

Rybakina has now won 14 career titles, has twice led the WTA in aces for a season and has developed a stronger baseline game, according to American world No. 3 Jessica Pegula.

But for Pegula, as for Gauff, it is Rybakina’s ability to remain unreadable that may be her biggest weapon.

“Cool as a cucumber,” Pegula said after losing to Rybakina in the Australian Open semi-finals.

“She’s so chill. She doesn’t really give you anything.

“You’re not really sure if she’s upset or if she’s excited or what it is. I think in today’s game that goes a long way.”

Now sitting at the summit of women’s tennis with a US Open trophy in her hands, Rybakina’s quiet demeanour may be as intimidating as her powerful serve.

The world knows exactly how dangerous she is with a racket. The real mystery remains what is going on inside her head.