Elena Rybakina secures a spot in the U.S. Open semifinals, poised to claim the top spot in the women’s tennis rankings. In a hard-fought match, Rybakina overcame Zheng Qinwen with a score of 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, guaranteeing her ascent to No. 1 in the WTA rankings. The Australian Open champion is set to face either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will compete against Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal.
Regardless of the outcomes of the upcoming matches, Rybakina will displace Sabalenka from her 99-week reign as No. 1 when the new rankings are released next Monday. Reflecting on her achievement, Rybakina stated, “It’s just a number right now, and of course, I’m in the semis so my goal is to win the tournament.” She emphasized the volatility of tennis rankings and expressed her focus on her game and enjoyment of the journey.
The match between Rybakina and Zheng commenced approximately eight hours after Ben Shelton finished his late-night victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, marking the latest finish in U.S. Open history. Rybakina mentioned her initial challenges with the sun and shadows at Arthur Ashe Stadium due to the different timing of her matches.
Zheng managed to capitalize on Rybakina’s early struggles, securing her only break in the match against the formidable server. Despite initially taking a lead, Zheng couldn’t maintain her position, allowing Rybakina to dominate the second set swiftly.
Zheng, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist from China, embarked on an impressive journey to the quarterfinals after overcoming ranking challenges following elbow surgery. Her remarkable comeback victories in earlier rounds showcased her resilience and skill, propelling her back up the rankings.
In a closely contested match, a decisive double fault cost Zheng the lead in the third set, leading to Rybakina’s triumph and advancement to the U.S. Open semifinals for the first time. Reflecting on the match, Zheng acknowledged missed opportunities but found positives in her U.S. Open experience this year.
Rybakina’s semifinal advancement guarantees her rise above Sabalenka in the rankings. The tournament’s outcome will determine if the 27-year-old from Kazakhstan solidifies her position as No. 1, with potential contenders like Sabalenka, Pegula, or Gauff in the mix. In the men’s section, top-seed Alexander Zverev and other contenders are set to compete in the quarterfinal matches, leading to an exciting semifinal lineup.
