Elena Rybakina became the new world No. 1. The second seed recovered from a lost first set to beat qualifier Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the US Open quarterfinals on Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, reaching her first Flushing Meadows semifinal and locking in the top ranking even if Aryna Sabalenka wins the title.
Before the meeting, she had already said what the ranking meant. “Of course I want it, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t wish this, but definitely that’s one of my goals,” Rybakina said. “I try to approach the same way, try to do everything I can, fight until the end my next match and let’s see what’s going to happen.”
(More to follow)
