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Elena Rybakina Begins New Chapter as World No. 1 in Beijing Elena Rybakina has arrived in Beijing for the China Open facing a new experience in her career: competing as the world’s No. 1 player. The Kazakh star reached the summit after an extraordinary run at the US Open, but her celebrations left little time to pause before returning to competition. Rybakina captured her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Her victory also allowed her to take the top position in the WTA rankings, marking another major milestone in a season that has already produced several significant achievements. The weeks following her New York triumph were anything but quiet. The 27-year-old immediately entered a busy schedule that included media appearances in New York before travelling back to Europe and then Asia for further celebrations. The quick turnaround meant that she had very little time to enjoy the achievement before preparing for her next tournament. Despite the hectic period, Rybakina said she was ready to compete again. She explained that her priority during the short break was recovery, particularly because she had been dealing with foot discomfort. The time away from competition appears to have helped. Rybakina said she had been sleeping more and reducing her workload, allowing her body to recover. During practice in Beijing, she was also seen without the ankle support she had previously used. The new ranking position has not changed her approach to tennis. Rather than focusing heavily on what being No. 1 is supposed to look like, Rybakina has emphasised enjoying the sport, training well and continuing to compete at the highest level. For the Kazakh, there is no complicated formula for handling the pressure of being the best-ranked player in the world. She is still adjusting to the status herself, having only recently reached the top. Beijing represents her first tournament since the US Open triumph and therefore carries additional attention. Rybakina has previously received strong support from Chinese fans and said she enjoys seeing large crowds attend her practice sessions and matches. The China Open is also an important part of her push toward the final stages of the season. With the WTA Finals approaching, Rybakina has another opportunity to strengthen her position and finish the year at the top of the rankings. Her immediate challenge in Beijing was set to come against Alina Charaeva, who advanced from the opening round after defeating Yulia Starodubtseva. For Charaeva, facing the newly crowned world No. 1 represented one of the biggest opportunities of her career. Rybakina, meanwhile, entered the tournament with a clear objective: continue competing, enjoy the moment and maintain the level that carried her to the top of women's tennis. After a whirlwind few weeks filled with Grand Slam glory, media appearances, travel and celebrations, Beijing offered Rybakina the chance to settle back into the routine she knows best — preparing, competing and trying to remain at No. 1.