The ceremony in the capital marked something the country had not seen before. Rybakina is the first player representing Kazakhstan to top the WTA singles rankings and the 30th woman in WTA history to reach No. 1.
Tokayev presented the Order of Barys, third degree, and thanked her for what her run has done at grassroots level.
“After your victories, our children have become interested in tennis. Many are enrolling in tennis clubs and want to become champions themselves,” Tokayev told her at Akorda.
“Your three Grand Slam victories will forever be part of the history of tennis.”
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Wimbledon 2022, Australian Open, and now New York
On 12 September, Rybakina beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a final that lasted two hours and 21 minutes. It ended Sabalenka’s 99-week hold on the No. 1 ranking, one week short of a century, and denied the Belarusian a third consecutive US Open title.
The trophy is Rybakina’s third major, adding to Wimbledon 2022 and the Australian Open she won in January by beating Sabalenka in three sets. Only Roland Garros now stands between her and a Career Grand Slam.
“It’s tough to find the words right now. Honestly, I didn’t expect anything like this coming from this tournament,” Rybakina said during the trophy presentation.
“I’ve been dealing a little bit with injury, but somehow everything aligned on my side.”
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Tokayev’s first message
Tokayev did not wait for a ceremony to speak. A congratulatory note went out the day after the final and framed the win as validation of the ranking she had already secured through the semi-final.
“This tremendous success is clear proof that you truly deserve the title of World No. 1. Once again, you have demonstrated true professionalism, determination, and impeccable conduct on the court,” Tokayev wrote.
At Akorda he added a second theme, pointing to what a Kazakh No. 1 does for the country’s image abroad. He described it as “very important, including in terms of presenting Kazakhstan as a developed and civilized state where sport, and tennis in particular, are supported.”
Rybakina thanked him for personal backing of the sport and said she was proud to represent the country.
What is left in 2026
The US Open trophy also secured her a place at the WTA Finals, the year-end event for the top eight singles players, and confirmed her position at the top of the WTA prize-money standings for 2026.
Her Grand Slam count now reads three from her last six majors played. The next chance to add a fourth is the Australian Open in January, where she will defend the title she won at Melbourne Park eight months ago.
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