Elena Rybakina has just surpassed Jannik Sinner with a 2026 record

Photo by William WEST / AFP via Getty Images

Elena Rybakina advanced to the fourth round of the Madrid Open after a hard-fought three-set win over Qinwen Zheng.

The world number two will now face Anastasia Potapova in the next round, continuing her run at the Masters event.

The match wasn’t without controversy. Rybakina was frustrated with an umpire decision that seemed to disrupt her rhythm during a tight second set.

Despite the drama, Rybakina came away with another win to add to what’s already been a strong start to 2026, a record that even Jannik Sinner hasn’t matched so far this year.

Elena Rybakina’s wins stack up over Jannik Sinner

Photo by Wang He/Getty Images

Rybakina’s win over Zheng marked her 27th of the year, giving her more victories than anyone else on the WTA Tour so far in 2026.

The world number two has played six tournaments, winning two of them, including the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open.

Rybakina is also playing in her sixth tournament, so she has now overtaken Sinner while playing an equal number of events.

It highlights just how impressive Rybakina’s start to this season has been. Statistically speaking, no one in tennis has had a better run so far in 2026.

Elena Rybakina’s five defeats in 2026

Rybakina has put together a strong 27-5 record this season, though a couple of her losses have come from unexpected places.

Aryna Sabalenka has got the better of her twice already this year, with wins at both Indian Wells and the Miami Open, helping Sabalenka to complete the Sunshine Double.

Karolina Muchova and Victoria Mboko also managed wins over Rybakina, but given how well they’ve played this season, those results aren’t particularly shocking.