Elena Rybakina reached a major career milestone at the 2026 US Open, defeating Qinwen Zheng in three sets to advance to the semifinals and secure the world No. 1 position. The second seed recovered from a difficult opening set to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Her victory ended Zheng’s unexpected run and confirmed a major change at the top of the WTA Rankings.
The quarterfinal lasted two hours and 14 minutes and tested Rybakina’s composure. Zheng began confidently, but Rybakina changed the match with stronger serving, deeper groundstrokes, and more aggressive court positioning.
WTA Rankings: Rybakina Recovers After Losing the Opening Set
Zheng controlled the first set 6-3 by using her forehand effectively and forcing Rybakina into uncomfortable exchanges. Her movement and early ball striking prevented Rybakina from establishing the powerful rhythm that usually defines her tennis.
The match changed quickly in the second set. Rybakina improved her first-strike tennis, placed greater pressure on Zheng’s service games, and reduced the number of openings available to her opponent. She took the set 6-1, turning what had looked like a difficult quarterfinal into a decisive contest.
The final set was much closer. Rybakina had to protect her serve, manage tense moments, and wait for the right opportunity to break. That opportunity arrived late in the set when sustained pressure contributed to Zheng committing a double fault on the decisive break point. Rybakina then completed the 6-4 set and celebrated a result that carried both tournament and ranking significance.
Key Details From the US Open Quarterfinal
- Rybakina defeated Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
- The match lasted two hours and 14 minutes.
- Rybakina reached the US Open semifinals for the first time.
- She secured the world No. 1 position for the first time in her career.
- Zheng was the first qualifier to reach the women’s quarterfinals in New York since Emma Raducanu’s title run in 2021.
What the Victory Means for the WTA Rankings
Rybakina earned enough points by reaching the US Open semifinals to replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the WTA Rankings.
- She will become world No. 1 for the first time.
- Her position is secure regardless of the US Open result.
- She becomes Kazakhstan’s first women’s world No. 1.
The milestone reflects Rybakina’s consistent results throughout the tennis season, although her immediate focus remains on winning the US Open.
Zheng’s Impressive Run Ends in the Quarterfinals
Although Zheng lost, her progress from qualifying to the last eight was one of the tournament’s strongest stories. The Olympic champion showed resilience, while her first-set performance demonstrated why she had challenged established opponents.
Rybakina produced the more controlled tennis in the decisive stages. Zheng competed throughout the third set, but the new world No. 1 maintained pressure once she moved ahead. Reaching the quarterfinals as a qualifier nevertheless remains a notable achievement.
Rybakina Turns Her Attention to the Semifinal
The No. 1 ranking is now secure, but Rybakina’s US Open campaign is not finished. Her next challenge is a semifinal against Coco Gauff, who advanced after defeating Mirra Andreeva. The matchup gives Rybakina another demanding test against an opponent with strong movement, defensive skill, and experience winning in New York.
For Rybakina, the priority will be maintaining the controlled aggression that helped her recover against Zheng. Her serve and first groundstroke remain central to her tennis, but the quarterfinal also showed her ability to adapt when her preferred patterns are disrupted.
Whatever happens next, the quarterfinal victory has already changed the WTA Rankings and added a defining achievement to Rybakina’s career. Reaching No. 1 and making her first US Open semifinal on the same day turned a difficult three-set match into one of the most important victories of her season.
