Elena Rybakina came through a mammoth three-set battle to book her place in the last 16 of the Madrid Open.
The world number two defeated Qinwen Zheng to set up a match with Anastasia Potapova at the Masters event.
Rybakina vs Zheng was steeped in controversy as the world number two was unhappy with an umpire decision.
After her latest victory, Rybakina now holds an impressive 2026 record that is even better than what Jannik Sinner has managed.
Elena Rybakina’s record over Jannik Sinner
Rybakina’s victory against Zheng was her 27th victory so far this season, which is more than anyone on the WTA Tour.
The world number two has played six tournaments, winning two of them, including the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
If not, who is better?
Rybakina’s 27 victories in 2026 is now more than anyone in tennis, as she surpassed Sinner’s record of 26 by beating Zheng.
Sinner is also playing in his sixth tournament, so Rybakina has managed to oust the Italian in the same number of tournaments.
It’s a testament to Rybakina’s dominance this year that she is now statistically the most successful player in tennis.
Elena Rybakina’s five losses so far this year
Rybakina holds an incredible 27-5 record in 2026, but some of the opponents that have beaten her are a surprise.
Is Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina the best rivalry in women’s tennis right now?
If not, who is?
The world number two has been beaten by Aryna Sabalenka twice, at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, which helped the star scoop the Sunshine Double.
- Karolina Muchova – Brisbane International
- Victoria Mboko – Qatar Open
- Antonia Ruzic – Dubai Tennis Championships
- Aryna Sabalenka – Indian Wells
- Aryna Sabalenka – Miami Open
It should not be a surprise that Karolina Muchova and Victoria Mboko managed to defeat Rybakina, either, as they have both shown an impressive level this season.
Antonia Ruzic, who knocked Rybakina out of the Dubai Tennis Championships, is perhaps the biggest surprise of the five defeats.
Ruzic was ranked world number 67 at the time, although the victory was confirmed by a Rybakina retirement in the third set decider.