Martina Navratilova Warns Elena Rybakina About 2 American Stars Who Could Trouble Her After Securing Year-End No. 1

Nancy Singh Mon, November 2, 2026 at 6:29 AM UTC

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Mar 25, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Elena Rybakina (KAZ) reacts after losing a point against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Martina Navratilova named two Americans as two major threats Elena Rybakina could face while defending her newly secured year-end world No. 1 ranking.

Rybakina secured the WTA Year-End No. 1 honor on October 29 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. She became the 17th player in WTA history to finish a season at the top of the rankings and the first representative of Kazakhstan to achieve the feat.

Speaking to WTA Tennis days after Rybakina secured the distinction, Navratilova discussed the players she expects to challenge the Kazakh star, apart from Aryna Sabalenka. Shenamed two Americans, including Coco Gauff and Iva Jovic, and also Iga Swiatek as major contenders.

“Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. Coco is still so young and still improving. Iva Jovic is improving all the time, too. She’s such a good athlete, and I’m looking forward to watching her improve. Those three would be my big contenders.”

Elena Rybakina was last in action at the Pan Pacific Open, where she withdrew from her quarterfinal match against Leylah Fernandez on October 30 because of a neck injury.

Martina Navratilova revealed what stood out to her about Elena Rybakina this season

During her conversation with WTA Tennis, Martina Navratilova was asked what impressed her most about Elena Rybakina’s performances this season. She praised the Kazakh’s consistency and highlighted the changes she has made to her game.

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“She’s been the most consistent of the top players, and she’s playing better in the big tournaments. She comes forward more, trusts her own calls and takes full responsibility for everything out there. Now the dynamic changes. Holding the No. 1 ranking brings its own weight, and the challenge is to keep finding areas to improve while everyone else on tour is chasing you down,” said Martina Navratilova.

The former world No. 1 also noted that Rybakina has become more assertive on court, taking greater responsibility for her decisions rather than relying as heavily on instructions from her coach. She also spoke about what the Kazakh player will need to do to hold onto the No. 1 ranking.

Elena Rybakina will next compete at the WTA Finals, scheduled to take place from November 8 to 15.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”