With No. 1 ranking secured Rybakina eyes more grand slam glory

Elena Rybakina has secured her first-ever number one world ranking after advancing to the US Open semi-finals, but her primary focus remains on clinching a third Grand Slam title. The Kazakh tennis star expressed her delight after defeating Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen in three sets, which will push her ahead of Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings.

Rybakina, who won her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is determined to continue striving for more titles in future tournaments. She recently battled through a heel injury to reach the quarter-finals, where she faced off against fourth-seeded former champion Coco Gauff. With two more victories, Rybakina is just one win away from her third major title, having already triumphed over Naomi Osaka and Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Despite her initial slow start against Zheng, Rybakina was pleased to overcome distractions and discomfort and rediscover her form in the later stages of the match.