Elena Rybakina has clinched the world number one ranking for the first time in her career by beating Qinwen Zheng to reach the US Open semi-finals.
The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan will usurp Aryna Sabalenka, whose 99-week reign at the top of the rankings will end on Monday. Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, had been chasing Sabalenka all year and will take the top spot even if the Belarusian wins a third consecutive title in New York.
Rybakina dropped a set for the first time this fortnight but recovered to win 3-6 6-1 6-4. Zheng, who had spent nearly 12 hours on court through qualifying and the main draw, faded in the decider.
“It’s just a number right now, I’m only in the semis and the goal is to win every tournament I play,” Rybakina said. “It was a very difficult match, lot’s of nerves, maybe not the highest level but I’m glad I pushed through.”
Zheng, 23, was enjoying an Emma Raducanu-style run in New York but her fairytale ended. She is now back on the verge of the top 50 after slipping to 121 following elbow surgery.