Elena Rybakina has become the latest world No. 1 in women’s tennis after reaching the US Open semifinals and knocking Aryna Sabalenka off the top spot.
The 27-year-old was born in Moscow but switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018. She is now the 30th player to reach the top of the WTA rankings since the computerised ranking system was introduced in 1975.
Rybakina’s rise has been closely linked to her powerful game and imposing 184cm frame. She initially considered gymnastics and figure skating before turning to tennis, where her height eventually became an advantage, particularly on serve.
Her rise to No. 1 came after she defeated China’s Zheng Qinwen in the US Open quarterfinals. Sabalenka, who had spent 99 weeks at the top of the rankings, was still alive in New York and reached the semifinals, but her inconsistent season meant she could not protect her position.
Rybakina had been uncertain about even competing at the US Open because of an ankle problem. She also struggled emotionally during her quarterfinal against Zheng, losing the opening set before recovering to secure the victory.
But the tournament has also revived scrutiny of the most controversial figure in her career: Croatian coach Stefano Vukov.
Vukov, a former professional tennis player, has been at the centre of allegations over his treatment of Rybakina for several years. His confrontational coaching style has repeatedly drawn attention, with observers questioning the nature of his relationship with the player and the apparent power imbalance between them.
Concerns reportedly reached the WTA after another coach witnessed an aggressive exchange between Vukov and Rybakina in Miami in 2022 and contacted then-WTA chief executive Steve Simon.
Other accounts subsequently emerged, describing repeated verbal confrontations and what critics viewed as inappropriate behaviour. Vukov was accused of calling Rybakina insulting names, humiliating her after mistakes in training and telling her that without him she would still be in Russia “picking potatoes.”
The controversy intensified after the 2023 Australian Open final, when Rybakina was reportedly left in tears following another confrontation with her coach.
Despite the criticism, Rybakina continued to defend Vukov publicly and remained close to him privately. Her results subsequently declined, while injuries, withdrawals and sleep problems became increasingly frequent.
The situation reached a breaking point before the 2024 US Open. Rybakina arrived in New York physically and emotionally exhausted after a difficult period, while Vukov reportedly tried repeatedly to regain access to her and resume his role following intervention from her family and the WTA.
The WTA eventually suspended Vukov before imposing a one-year ban for violating the Tour’s code of conduct. He was also ordered to attend courses dealing with behaviour and anger management.
Rybakina subsequently announced that Vukov was no longer her coach and began the 2025 season alongside Goran Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion and one-time coach of Novak Djokovic.
The partnership lasted only briefly. Rybakina exited the Australian Open in the fourth round, while Ivanisevic stepped away after a trial period. Vukov meanwhile appealed his WTA suspension and ultimately won his case, regaining the right to receive accreditation for WTA events in August 2025.
Now, in New York in 2026, Rybakina is back in the spotlight. She has reached the US Open semifinals, where she will face home favourite Coco Gauff, and regardless of the result she has already secured her place at the top of the women’s rankings.
Rybakina has won 13 WTA titles, including two Grand Slam trophies at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026, while earning more than $30 million in prize money.
Her career has therefore reached its latest high point against the backdrop of one of the most complicated coach-player relationships in modern women’s tennis.
The controversy surrounding Vukov may continue to follow Rybakina, but on court there is little doubt about her status: she is now the new world No. 1.
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