Elena Rybakina Returns to World Top 3

Following her advancement to the final of the 2026 Australian Open, Kazakhstani tennis star Elena Rybakina is set to become the world number three, according to the WTA live rankings.

Rybakina currently holds the fifth spot in the global rankings, which are due for an official update next week. In the semifinals held at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, she defeated American Jessica Pegula with a score of 6:3, 7:6 (9:7), effectively securing her ascent to the third position in the WTA standings.

The top spot is currently held by Aryna Sabalenka, whom Elena Rybakina will face on January 31st in a battle for the championship title.

Reaching the third spot in the WTA rankings marks a return to Rybakina's career-high achievement. According to the WTA, she will remain the world number three regardless of the outcome of the 2026 Australian Open final. The Kazakhstani athlete previously reached this peak ranking in 2023.