Elena Rybakina arrives in Beijing with a new distinction beside her name: for the first time, she is entering an event as both world No. 1 and the top seed.
The US Open champion begins her China Open campaign in the second round on Saturday against Armenia’s Alina Charaeva. Rybakina received a first-round bye, while Charaeva came through a 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 win over Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Quick facts
- Rybakina is the No. 1 seed at the China Open and the first Kazakh player to reach world No. 1.
- She won her third Grand Slam title at the US Open on September 12.
- The US Open victory also secured her place at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
- Her previous Beijing results include a semifinal in 2023 and a third-round finish in 2025.
- Charaeva is Rybakina’s second-round opponent on Saturday.
Rybakina’s immediate target is to retain the No. 1 ranking through the end of the season. The 2026 China Open is her first tournament since lifting the US Open trophy, a stretch that brought rapid travel and a series of public commitments.
“Being No. 1 is great, but the season is not over,” Rybakina said. “I want to keep pushing and finish the year in that position. There are so many strong players and difficult opponents, so things can change quickly.”
After New York, Rybakina appeared on CBS Mornings and NBC’s Today before travelling through Europe and Asia. She was received by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, a city where she regularly trains and spends time.
She then travelled to Astana, where Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed her at the Akorda Residence. Rybakina received the Order of Barys, third degree, in recognition of her results and her role in promoting tennis in Kazakhstan.
“There was a lot of travelling,” she said. “I went through Bratislava and then Kazakhstan for commitments I had to do. I did not manage everything I hoped to do, including time with children and clinics, but I had a nice rest at home and was able to relax.”
Rybakina said the early days of life at No. 1 have reinforced the need to enjoy the moment rather than chase a particular model of how a top-ranked player should act.
“I have only just become No. 1, so I do not really know,” she said. “The important thing is to enjoy it. It is not always easy, and that is why having good people around you matters.”
There is also a physical consideration as she returns to the Beijing hard courts. Rybakina has been managing a lingering foot problem and felt some discomfort during practice on Thursday, though she said the rest period after New York had helped.
“My foot improved while I was resting,” Rybakina said. “Once I returned to court, I could feel it here and there. I will try to push myself and see how far I can go at this tournament. Mentally, I am in a better place now and ready.”
Beyond the season-ending ranking battle, Rybakina has another long-range prize in mind. A Roland Garros title would complete a Career Grand Slam for the 2026 US Open winner.
