Elena Rybakina Reaches US Open Semifinals, Secures World No. 1 Ranking

Elena Rybakina overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, ensuring she will ascend to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday.

Elena Rybakina advanced to her first US Open semifinal on Wednesday with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 comeback victory over Zheng Qinwen. The win guarantees that Rybakina will ascend to No. 1 in the WTA rankings this coming Monday, ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week tenure at the top. The Australian Open champion overcame early struggles with sun and shadows at Arthur Ashe Stadium to dominate the second set in 38 minutes.

Zheng, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist currently ranked No. 121, secured her only break of the match to lead 5-3 in the opening set. However, a double-fault by Zheng at 4-4 in the third set allowed Rybakina to break and subsequently serve out the match. Despite the loss, Zheng is projected to return to the top 60 after a tournament run that included defeating No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek.

According to ESPN, Rybakina only needed to reach the final four to secure the top ranking, regardless of whether Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, or Coco Gauff win the title. Rybakina is scheduled to face No. 4 seed Gauff in the semifinals on Thursday. The other semifinal matchup features Sabalenka against No. 3 seed Pegula.