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Elena Rybakina Makes Kazakhstan History With Year-End No. 1

Elena Rybakina has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first athlete from Kazakhstan to secure the year-end top ranking in professional tennis. She clinched this position during the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo after defeating Yulia Putintseva in the round of 16.

Her dominant 2026 campaign included two major tournament victories, highlighted by wins over Aryna Sabalenka at both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open.

Following her recent match, Rybakina withdrew from the remainder of the Tokyo event due to neck inflammation but plans to return for the WTA Finals. She finished the season with 54 match victories.

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