New York, 10 September (H.S.): Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina defeated Zheng Qinwen in three sets on Wednesday to reach the US Open semifinals for the first time in her career. With the victory, Rybakina also secured the world No. 1 ranking. She will overtake Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the WTA rankings when the new rankings are released on Monday.

The Australian Open champion overcame a slow start at Arthur Ashe Stadium to defeat Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The victory marks the first time that the 27-year-old Rybakina has advanced to the final four at the US Open.

Rybakina’s rise to the top of the rankings will bring an end to Sabalenka’s 99 consecutive weeks as world No. 1. Despite achieving the milestone, Rybakina said her immediate focus remained on winning the tournament and ensuring that she was fully prepared for the semifinal.

In the semifinals, Rybakina will face either fourth seed Coco Gauff or fifth seed Mirra Andreeva. In the other semifinal, Sabalenka will take on third seed Jessica Pegula.

Rybakina struggled considerably at the beginning of her quarterfinal against Zheng. Changing conditions of sunlight and shade at Arthur Ashe Stadium made it difficult for her to find her rhythm. Zheng capitalised on the situation, securing the only break of serve in the opening set and taking it 6-3.

Rybakina produced an impressive response in the second set. Her serving and baseline play improved markedly, allowing her to establish control of the match. She wrapped up the set 6-1 in just 38 minutes, forcing the contest into a deciding set.

The third set was closely fought, with neither player willing to give up an advantage. However, at 4-4, a double fault from Zheng handed Rybakina the crucial break and put her 5-4 ahead. Rybakina then held serve to close out the match and secure her place in the semifinals.

Zheng’s run to the quarterfinals was itself highly impressive. Following elbow surgery, her ranking had fallen as low as No. 121, forcing the 2024 Olympic champion and former world No. 4 to come through qualifying to reach the US Open main draw. Despite her quarterfinal defeat, Zheng is now set to return to the top 60.

Rybakina entered the US Open knowing that reaching the semifinals would be enough to move her ahead of Sabalenka in the rankings. Having accomplished that objective, she will now turn her attention to winning the US Open title and adding another major achievement to an already outstanding season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar