With the new No. 1 ranking, Rybakina is still pushing forward

Elena Rybakina has reached the top of the tennis world. She just hasn’t had much time to figure out what she’s supposed to do up there.

Rybakina became the world’s No. 1 player less than three weeks ago, taking the top spot from Aryna Sabalenka after winning her second Grand Slam title of the season at the U.S. Open. So, ahead of her China Open debut, she was asked about the mindset that comes with being No. 1. Her answer was simple.

“I have no idea.”

To Rybakina, there is no secret formula for being No. 1. She has only been there less than a month, but her approach is straight-forward — enjoy the work, enjoy the competition and keep pushing.

“I just became No. 1,” Rybakina said. “I feel like the most important is to enjoy. It’s not easy always. … It’s important to enjoy.

“I really enjoy the practice. I think that’s the most important. I love to compete. I don’t know how the No. 1 should be. I don’t know.”

Following the U.S. Open, her third career championship run in a Grand Slam, Rybakina, who has battled foot pain for some time, has spent the last few weeks resting and recovering. 

“I’ve been sleeping a lot, not doing much,” she said. “That is what I needed to recover.”

Rybakina was seen not wearing a brace for her ankle during practice sessions in Beijing. 

“Since I was resting, my foot was a bit better,” Rybakina said. 

In the second round, Rybakina will play Alina Charaeva, who beat Yulia Starodubtseva 7-5, 6-2 in Thursday’s first round. Charaeva is excited about facing the world’s No. 1. 

“It’s the greatest opportunity for me,” Charaeva said. “I want to show who I am and what I can do.”

This will be Rybakina’s third time playing in the China Open. Last year, she lost in the third round against Germany’s Eva Lys. Rybakina said she’s always felt like she’s had a lot of support in Beijing and is excited to be back. 

“It’s nice to see everyone coming, cheering, just watching my practice,” Rybakina said. “It’s not everywhere you can see so many people.”

Her new ranking has done little to slow Rybakina’s drive as the season winds toward its finish at the China Open.

“Now I’m No. 1, which is great,” Rybakina said. “I would like to push and finish No. 1.”

By Dominic Achille