The 27-year-old Kazakhstani player defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, earning her 14th career tour title. Over the past year, Rybakina has also won the WTA Finals and Australian Open, adding three major achievements to an already impressive résumé.
Despite her recent success, Rybakina is not currently imagining herself competing well into her late 30s or 40s, as Serena and Venus Williams famously did.
"For now, I would say no," Rybakina tells PEOPLE when asked whether she could see herself continuing on tour into that stage of her life.
She explained that the physical demands of professional tennis make such a long career difficult to picture.
"I feel like it's very difficult for the body physically," she says. "I can say that I cannot imagine playing till that late, but we will see."
For now, Rybakina is focused on enjoying her place at the top of the sport. Her US Open victory also made her the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the No. 1 ranking, an accomplishment she says means a great deal.
Rybakina has also become an important figure in the growth of tennis in Kazakhstan. She returns home only a few times each year because of her demanding schedule, but she has noticed more young people taking an interest in the sport.
Following her Wimbledon victory in 2022, Rybakina donated 35 million Kazakhstan tenge, worth approximately $78,000 at the time, to support 14 promising players under the age of 18.
"I feel like sport in general is becoming better and better in Kazakhstan," she says, adding that the country's sporting achievements are helping put Kazakhstan on the map. "I'm just very proud."
Rybakina first picked up a tennis racket as a child after initially trying gymnastics and figure skating with her older sister. Coaches noticed her height at an early age, while her father eventually encouraged both sisters to try tennis.
Her sister quickly decided she did not like the sport, but Rybakina soon fell in love with it.
Her calm personality has remained one of her defining characteristics. She says her parents taught her from a young age to control her emotions on court and stay focused.
That approach continues today. Even after winning major titles, fans should not expect dramatic celebrations from Rybakina.
"I don't think it's me," she says. "I've been winning titles without falling on the court."
