Elena Rybakina Targets World No.1 Ranking After Australian Open Win: “I Have Big Goals”

Elena Rybakina is the new World No.3 after the Australian Open.

Elena Rybakina Targets World No.1 Ranking After Australian Open Win: “I Have Big Goals”

Elena Rybakina (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

If the fans were watching the Australian Open final, they probably felt the shift. It wasn’t just another tournament win; it felt like a statement. Elena Rybakina didn’t just play; she commanded the court in Melbourne, lifting the 2026 trophy and reigniting a conversation that tennis fans have been having in hushed tones for a while now: Is she ready to be the best player in the world?

After that dominant performance, the gap between Rybakina and the current World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, is shrinking. The race for the top spot hasn’t been this heated in years, and the Kazakh tennis star has had her say on this. Rybakina said in her post-match press conference:

Yeah, I have big goals. Of course time will show. But definitely we will keep on working. Hopefully I achieve my goals. I’m gonna keep on working and let’s see what’s gonna happen.

For a while, it felt like the Iga Swiatek show. Then, Sabalenka muscled her way into the picture, staying on top of the rankings for the entire 2025. But now, the fans are looking at a genuine three-way rivalry that is absolute gold for women’s tennis.

There is Świątek, the technical wizard who owns the clay courts. There is Sabalenka, the powerhouse who has maintained consistency across all surfaces. And then there is Rybakina, the “Ice Queen” with the smooth strokes and the unreadable poker face.

The Melbourne victory that changed everything

Elena Rybakina has always been a threat. Since her Wimbledon breakthrough in 2022, everyone knew the talent was there. But consistency was the lingering question mark. Injuries and scheduling issues often seemed to put the brakes on just as she was picking up speed.

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open final
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open final (image via Getty)

That narrative changed in Melbourne. Rybakina walked onto the blue courts with a different kind of energy. It wasn’t just about her famous serve; it was her movement, her fitness, and her absolute refusal to back down in the big moments. She plowed through top seeds with a calm demeanor that was almost unnerving for her opponents.

By the time she lifted the trophy, she hadn’t just won a Slam; she had put the rest of the tour on notice. She’s healthy, she’s confident, and she’s coming for that number one ranking.

Sabalenka has defended her Australian Open points from last season. However, the decline in the gap between her and Rybakina adds to the spice.

The road ahead: Indian Wells and Roland Garros

So, what happens next? Winning a Slam is huge, but reaching World No. 1 requires the grind of consistency. The upcoming “Sunshine Double” (Indian Wells and Miami) will be a massive test. These hard courts suit her game perfectly, and a deep run there could narrow the points gap even further.

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

The real challenge, however, will be the clay season. Iga Świątek is practically unbeatable on the red dirt of Roland Garros.

If Elena Rybakina wants to overtake her, she doesn’t necessarily need to beat Iga in Paris, but she needs to stay close enough in the rankings that her superior results on grass and hard courts can push her over the edge later in the year.

The Kazakh star knows that she started peaking after Wimbledon. Hence, her best time to reclaim the No.1 spot will be the end of the SW19 fortnight. After that, it will be all about defending last year’s points, particularly the WTA Finals.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Reveals Who he Will Support Between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Final