US Open Rankings at Stake for Aryna Sabalenka and Rivals

Aryna Sabalenka is on the verge of a notable achievement: reaching 100 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. However, this milestone hinges on her winning a third consecutive title at the US Open.

By the end of the tournament, Sabalenka is set to have 99 straight weeks at the top. However, she will lose 2,000 points from her previous title, placing her ranking at risk as three players could potentially surpass her.

Elena Rybakina has been inching closer, especially after her title victories at Ningbo and the WTA Finals in 2025, which earned her 2,000 ranking points. This season, Rybakina has secured two additional titles, including her second major at the Australian Open, and enters the US Open leading the WTA Finals Leaderboard.

At 27, Rybakina has had chances to claim the No. 1 position this summer, including reaching the final in Toronto and the quarterfinals in Cincinnati, but she was stopped both times by Iga Swiatek. In New York, Rybakina has a clear path to No. 1, needing only to advance to the semifinals to achieve the ranking without even needing to win a match.

American players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also in the mix but face greater pressure. Gauff heads into the US Open after clinching her first title of the season in Cincinnati, while Pegula has demonstrated strong form with runner-up finishes in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati.

For both Gauff and Pegula, the scenario is straightforward: they must win the US Open and rely on Rybakina not reaching the semifinals. Either would become the top-ranked player for the first time.

In summary, Rybakina can secure the No. 1 ranking without winning a match as long as Sabalenka, Pegula, and Gauff do not win the tournament. If she reaches the semifinals, her rank is guaranteed regardless of other outcomes.

Elena Rybakina can become No. 1 without playing a match if Sabalenka, Pegula, and Gauff do not win the title and will secure it by reaching the semifinals. In contrast, Aryna Sabalenka must win the title and have Rybakina lose prior to the semifinals to maintain her position. Both Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff face similar requirements to attain the No. 1 ranking for the first time.