Rybakina beats qualifier Zheng to reach US Open semis and secure no. 1 spot

Elena Rybakina advanced to the US Open semi-finals and claimed the world No 1 ranking after defeating Chinese qualifier Zheng Qinwen in a three-set match. Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, replaced Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the rankings when they are updated following the tournament. The Russian overcame a sluggish start and smashed 20 winners as she gradually eroded Zheng's resistance.

Olympic champion Zheng, who had to progress through qualifying due to a recurring elbow injury, delivered a commendable comeback performance in New York but ultimately fell short. Rybakina will now face either fifth seed Mirra Andreeva or 2023 winner Coco Gauff in the next round. Despite saving five break points in the ninth game of the first set, Zheng's level dropped in the second set, with Rybakina generating the majority of the momentum.

In the decisive third set, Rybakina registered 10 winners compared to Zheng's solitary effort, ultimately sealing the match with a double fault.