Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Elena Rybakina, 27, won the U.S. Open women’s singles title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and becoming the world’s number one female tennis player. She previously chose tennis over college, despite her father’s wishes. Rybakina switched federations to Kazakhstan in 2018, which provided financial support. She has won three Grand Slam titles, including the 2025 WTA Finals, and earned $11.4 million in 2026. Her decision to forgo college has led to significant success in her career.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Rybakina skipped college for tennis, defying her father’s advice.
She changed citizenship, got support, and climbed the rankings.
She now earns $11.4 million, with two Grand Slam titles in 2026.
Her career path shows how early choices can shape success.
Author: Evan Null
Early Career Choices
Rybakina faced a major decision at 17: pursue college or focus on tennis. Her father wanted her to go to college, fearing the risks of a professional career. Despite 15 college offers, she chose to stay in tennis. This decision set her on a path that would eventually lead to a top ranking and multiple Grand Slam titles.
Switching Federations
In 2018, Rybakina switched from Russia to Kazakhstan, which offered financial support and resources. This move helped her progress in the sport. She later won her first WTA title in 2019 and reached the top 10 for the first time. The support from Kazakhstan played a key role in her early development.
Breakthrough and Success
Rybakina’s breakthrough came in 2020, when she reached five WTA finals. She won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2022 and reached the Australian Open final in 2023. Her career accelerated, leading to a record $5.235 million prize at the 2025 WTA Finals. She also secured major sponsorships with brands like Nike and Adidas.
2026: A Record Year
2026 was Rybakina’s most successful year yet. She won the Australian Open and the U.S. Open, earning $5.5 million in prize money. She also took over the world No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka. According to Forbes, she is now the 10th highest-paid tennis player, earning $11.4 million on the court and $6 million off-court.
Reflections on Her Journey
Rybakina admitted she didn’t expect to win the U.S. Open, especially after years of near misses. She credited her success to hard work and timing. She also reflected on how her decision to skip college led to her current achievements. Her story highlights how early career choices can have long-term impacts on success.
