After 99 weeks, there might be a brand new ladies’s world primary – and it will likely be Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina confirmed she’s going to substitute Aryna Sabalenka on the high of the world rankings on Monday together with her US Open quarter-final victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen.
Regardless of shedding a set for the primary time within the event, Rybakina fought again and saved a break level within the deciding set to finish a 3-6 6-1 6-4 win.
She is the primary Kazakhstani man or lady to achieve the highest of the singles standings.
Rybakina has been in sizzling pursuit of Sabalenka this season and arrived in New York as one among three ladies who threatened the Belarusian’s place, alongside People Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.
Nevertheless, the opposite three contenders every wanted to win the title and hope Rybakina exited earlier than the semi-finals to seize the primary spot.
Sabalenka’s consecutive 99-week reign as world primary stretches again to 21 October 2024 and stands because the sixth-longest streak in WTA historical past.
The highest two gamers might but meet within the US Open remaining – simply as they did at this 12 months’s Australian Open, the place Rybakina prevailed in three units.
For Rybakina, the trophy is extra vital than her new rating.
“It is only a quantity proper now. My purpose is to win the tournaments which I play,” the 27-year-old unhappy.
“It is an incredible achievement, however you know the way rapidly the whole lot can change in tennis ranking-wise.”
Rybakina will face both Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in Thursday’s semi-finals, whereas Sabalenka takes on Jessica Pegula.