One of the interesting storylines in the women’s singles draw at the 2026 United States Open is the fact that four players have a chance to be number one at the end of the tournament. Let’s take a look at the different scenarios that can materialize.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka of Minsk, Belarus is the current number one ranked player in the world, with 8575 points. However, her number one ranking is on the line at the moment as she needs to win the US Open to have a chance to return to first in the world rankings. But that may not be enough. Sabalenka is looking for her third straight United States Open. She won in 2024 by beating Jessica Pegula of the United States, 7-5, 7-5 in the final, and again in 2025, by beating Amanda Anisimova of the United States, 6-3, 7-6.
Elena Rybakina
Rybakina of Kazakhstan is second in the world with 8141 points. She will be number one in the world if she reaches the semifinals. Rybakina has won one major this year. That came at the Australian Open, as she defeated Sabalenka, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Jessica Pegula
The native of Buffalo, New York has a chance to be number one if she wins the United States Open and Rybakina loses before the semifinals. Pegula has never won a major before, and has only been to one grand slam final. That was at the U.S. Open two years ago, when she lost to Sabalenka. Pegula is third in the world with 7265 points.
Coco Gauff
The native of Boca Raton, Florida is fourth in the world with 6704 points. The scenario for the 2023 United States Open champion is the same as Pegula and Sabalenka. If she wins the United States Open, and Rybakina loses before the semifinals, Gauff is number one.
