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

Posted : 10 September 2026

Elena Rybakina overcame a determined Qinwen Zheng to reach the US Open semifinals and guarantee her rise to the top of the WTA rankings. The second-seeded Kazakh recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The victory means Rybakina will become the new world No. 1, ending Aryna Sabalenka's long spell at the top. She becomes the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach No. 1 in the women's rankings, adding another major milestone to a career that already includes Wimbledon and Australian Open Grand Slam titles.

Zheng started strongly and used her powerful serve and varied shot selection to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm. The Chinese qualifier took the first set 6-3, continuing an impressive run at Flushing Meadows after entering the tournament through qualifying.

Rybakina responded emphatically in the second set, raising her level and taking control of the longer rallies. She quickly established a lead and closed out the set 6-1 to force a decider.

The final set was much tighter, with both players creating opportunities. Rybakina eventually found the decisive break and maintained her advantage to complete the comeback and secure her first US Open semifinal appearance.

Zheng's tournament nevertheless represents a major step forward. The former world No. 5 and 2024 Olympic champion entered the US Open ranked 121st after an extended absence caused by an elbow injury. She came through qualifying before defeating former Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek on her way to the quarterfinals.

Rybakina will now face Coco Gauff for a place in the US Open final. The American also produced a dramatic comeback on Wednesday, saving two match points before defeating reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.

The semifinal will be the third meeting between Rybakina and Gauff, with the head-to-head record tied at one victory apiece. Rybakina won their most recent encounter in the Toronto semifinals, but Gauff will have the backing of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd as she targets another US Open final.

Rybakina's arrival at No. 1 also adds further significance to an unusual women's semifinal line-up. All four top seeds have reached the final four at the US Open, with Rybakina and Gauff joining Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.

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

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