Rybakina’s recovery fuels US Open run, puts top ranking within reach

Elena Rybakina's impressive recovery from an ankle injury has propelled her into the US Open quarter-finals and put her within striking distance of the world number one ranking. The second seed, who had not played since losing in the Cincinnati Open quarter-final last month, has shown remarkable progress to edge closer to the top spot.

Rybakina's impressive run began when she defeated two-time winner Naomi Osaka in the fourth round, setting up a meeting with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the next round. A further victory would see her leapfrog rival Aryna Sabalenka and secure the top ranking next week.

"Preparation wasn't that great. I didn't play for seven days and I couldn't do much in the gym movement-wise, so we had to really go day by day," Rybakina told reporters. "It's amazing progress. I'm really glad how everything worked out."

She acknowledged the doubts surrounding her fitness but emphasized the support of her team and medical staff. Rybakina expressed her satisfaction with her latest performance, calling it one of the best matches she has played. She has never previously reached the quarter-finals of the US Open and credits the tournament with improving her relationship with New York.

Rybakina noted that she usually doesn't perform as well in New York, but this year she feels it's the best yet. She enjoys the city and the atmosphere in the stadiums, stating that she might only like it for two or three weeks, beyond which it could become too much.