Rybakina Takes Over as World No. 1 With US Open Win Over Zheng
Elena Rybakina will become the world's top-ranked woman after beating Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the US Open semi-finals.
The second seed lost the opening set before turning the match around, a result that ends Aryna Sabalenka's spell at the top regardless of what happens in the rest of the tournament.
The Ranking Race Resolved
Sabalenka had arrived in New York with her position under pressure from three players. Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff were all in contention, and had Rybakina lost on Wednesday, all three would have retained a mathematical chance.
Her win settled it. Sabalenka has not won a major this year, a run of results modest by her standards that allowed Rybakina to close the gap over the course of the season.
According to the WTA, Rybakina had beaten a reigning world number one on nine occasions before becoming one herself.
Sabalenka was asked whether she would accept winning a third consecutive US Open title if it meant surrendering the ranking, and said she would be more than happy with that and did not mind. Asked which would mean more, she smiled and said a three-peat sounded great.
Zheng's Run Ends
Zheng arrived in the quarter-finals having produced two of the tournament's more remarkable comebacks. She recovered from 5-0 down in the deciding set to beat Madison Keys, saving a match point along the way, then did the same from 5-0 in the opening set against Iga Swiatek to win in straight sets.
There was no third. Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, took control after dropping the first set and did not allow the pattern to repeat.
Gauff Survives Andreeva
Rybakina now faces Gauff, who reached her first US Open semi-final since her title-winning run in 2023 by beating Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2.
Gauff struggled early and saved two match points in the second set before recovering. It was a difficult performance in statistical terms, including 12 double faults and 42 unforced errors, though she has repeatedly found ways through this fortnight.
Speaking on court afterwards, Gauff acknowledged the task ahead, noting that Rybakina is the new world number one and that it would be a tough match. She leads their head-to-head 2-1 and recalled their last meeting going to a difficult three sets.
Four Top Seeds in the Last Four
The other semi-final pits Sabalenka against Pegula, who beat Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American quarter-final.
It will be the third year running the pair have met at this stage or later in New York. Sabalenka beat Pegula in the semi-finals in 2025 and in the 2024 final, and the American is still seeking a first Grand Slam title.
The line-up means all four top seeds have reached the women's semi-finals for the first time since 1975. Both matches take place on Thursday, with the final on Saturday.
