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Elena Rybakina says if her 2026 season is the best year she’s ever had as a professional tennis player

Elena Rybakina entered the final weeks of 2026 as the WTA’s year‑end No. 1 after a campaign that delivered two major titles – the Australian Open in January and the US Open later in the summer – and a climb past Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings.

The 27‑year‑old described the season as her best ever, citing the Grand Slam victories and the top ranking as the key achievements.

Now competing at the Ningbo Open, Rybakina received a first‑round bye before advancing when qualifier Polina Kudermetova retired early in the opening set. The defending champion will meet Katarzyna Kawa in the quarterfinals and, if she reaches the semifinals, could face either French Open semifinalist Diana Shnaider or 18‑year‑old American Iva Jovic.

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