After 99 weeks, there will be a new women’s world number one – and it will be Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina confirmed she will replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings on Monday with her US Open quarter-final victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen.
Despite losing a set for the first time in the tournament, Rybakina fought back and saved a break point in the deciding set to complete a 3-6 6-1 6-4 win.
She is the first Kazakhstani man or woman to reach the top of the singles standings.
Rybakina has been in hot pursuit of Sabalenka this season and arrived in New York as one of three women who threatened the Belarusian’s position, alongside Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.
However, the other three contenders each needed to win the title and hope Rybakina exited before the semi-finals to capture the number one spot.
Sabalenka’s consecutive 99-week reign as world number one stretches back to 21 October 2024 and stands as the sixth-longest streak in WTA history.
The top two players could yet meet in the US Open final – just as they did at this year’s Australian Open, where Rybakina prevailed in three sets.
For Rybakina, the trophy is more important than her new ranking.
“It’s just a number right now. My goal is to win the tournaments which I play,” the 27-year-old sad.
“It’s an amazing achievement, but you know how quickly everything can change in tennis ranking-wise.”
Rybakina will face either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in Thursday’s semi-finals, while Sabalenka takes on Jessica Pegula.
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