Elena Rybakina admits reaching the world No. 1 ranking is certainly another one of her "big goals" she is hoping to accomplish.
The start of the 2026 season marked the 26-year-old securing her second Grand Slam title after the Kazakh overcame world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 in the Australian Open final.
When the Australian Open started, Rybakina – who exited the Happy Slam in the round-of-16 last year – was ranked at No. 5 in the world. Now, after adding a good chunk amount of points with her Australian Open win, the 2022 Wimbledon champion is set to go ahead of Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova in the rankings, and sit at No. 3 on Monday.
For Rybakina, that will mark a return to her career-high ranking – which she previously achieved for the first time in June 2023. Also, she is set to be a top-3 player for the first time since February 2024.
Rybakina on if the world No. 1 ranking could be coming soon for her
“Yeah, I have big goals. Of course time will show. But definitely we will keep on working. Hopefully I achieve my goals. I’m going to keep on working and let’s see what’s going to happen," the new world No. 3 explained.
Elena Rybakina was asked if she thinks the #1 ranking could be coming soon for her:
“Do you think you could be the best player in the world right now already? And that #1 in the rankings could be coming soon for you as a goal?”
Elena: “Yeah, I have big goals. Of course time… pic.twitter.com/MKqBxj8Q5G
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 31, 2026
In the last couple of years, Rybakina admitted multiple times that she didn't want to only remain on one Grand Slam title. By winning this year's Australian Open, she ensured that she would not go down as a one-time Slam winner.
Rybakina doesn't have many points to defend in the upcoming period, but Sabalenka will still be 3,380 points ahead of the Kazakh on Monday.
