Kazakhstan’s top tennis player, Elena Rybakina, has reclaimed the number-one position in the WTA Race standings following a strong run of form on the North American hardcourt swing, highlighted by her advancement to the championship match at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Rybakina Regains Top Spot in WTA Race After Toronto Run
The latest rankings update places Elena Rybakina back at the summit of the women’s tennis season-long points race. According to tour reports, the former Wimbledon champion secured her return to the top position by stringing together a series of commanding victories at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, outperforming her nearest rivals in the 2026 points standings.
Finding Rhythm on the Hardcourts
Following her semifinal victory in Canada, the Kazakh star noted the automatic nature her strokes have taken on after spending extensive hours drilling on practice courts and match courts alike.
“I so many hours spent on the court that some shots already fly off the racket by themselves,” Rybakina said regarding her physical and technical state during the deep stages of the tournament.
In her hard-fought three-set victory over American standout Coco Gauff—where Rybakina prevailed 2-1 in sets—her baseline authority proved decisive in breaking down her opponent’s defense during the crucial moments of the match.
Showdown Set Against Świątek in Toronto Final
The reward for Rybakina’s semifinal triumph is a marquee championship clash against longtime rival Iga Świątek.
What Comes Next
The Toronto tournament concludes with the championship match between Elena Rybakina and Iga Świątek, after which the tour shifts focus to the remaining tune-up events ahead of the upcoming major in New York.
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