Rybakina Clinches Year-End No. 1 Ranking In Tokyo
Elena Rybakina secured the year-end world No. 1 ranking after defeating Yulia Putintseva in the round of 16 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Thursday. The top seed won 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals and confirmed her position at the summit of women’s tennis.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the Australian Open and US Open along with titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo. She also became world No. 1 for the first time after her US Open triumph.
Rybakina Reflects On Landmark Achievement
Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, described securing the year-end top ranking as an “incredibly special moment”.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved this season and the consistency I’ve shown throughout the year,” she said.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion is now one French Open title away from completing a career Grand Slam. She will receive a trophy recognising her achievement during a special presentation at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, scheduled from November 8 to 15.
Osaka Suffers Shock Defeat In Tokyo
Former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka suffered an upset defeat in front of her home crowd.
The Japanese star lost 6-3, 7-5 to Slovakian teenager Mia Pohankova, who entered the tournament as a wild card. Pohankova, who turned 18 last week, won the 2025 Wimbledon junior singles title and will next face Alycia Parks.
Osaka had entered the second round after defeating Jasmine Paolini.
In another round-of-16 match, Leylah Fernandez beat 14th seed Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-6 (8). Second seed Maja Chwalinska and Belinda Bencic had earlier withdrawn due to thigh and ankle injuries, respectively.
