Much was in doubt about Elena Rybakina in her quarterfinal match against Qinwen Zheng on Wednesday. A victory would not only move Rybakina one step closer to winning her first US Open, she would also assume the title of No. 1-ranked women’s player in the game.
Well move on Aryna Sabalenka because you have been dethroned. Rybakina advanced on Wednesday, beating Zheng in three straight sets (3-6, 6-1, 6-4) to keep her US Open title hopes alive and become the top-ranked player in the women’s world.
Sabalenka previously held the No. 1 ranking for the past 99 weeks. But some previously expected results, combined with a better story about Rybakina, put her in limbo for Mercury. All Rybakina needed was a win over Zheng for the top spot. It was a tough fight, but Rybakina did it.
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It marked the first time in Rybakina’s career that she was ranked No. 1.
Elena Rybakina looks to win the US Open
It also marks the last time Rybakina has ever advanced in the US Open. The prince came first last year, when he fell to the fourth place before the fall.
As usual, the US Open proved to be Rybakina’s most difficult Grand Slam. Entering the game on Wednesday, the match had just 57 percent of its results.
The win not only solidifies Rybakina’s status as the top woman in the game right now but puts her in a position to potentially capture a third Grand Slam win. Rybakina has already won Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Winning the US Open would leave the French Open as the only Grand Slam he has yet to win.
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Getting it won’t be easy. After almost defeating Zheng on Wednesday, Rybakina is guaranteed to take on some of the top women the rest of the way, as many of the women’s favorites have advanced to the quarterfinals.
As a new no. 1 ranking suggests Rybakina should be up for any challenge at this point … even if she manages to pull away early.
Qinwen Zheng beats Elena Rybakina in the first set
That’s exactly what happened on Wednesday, as Rybakina and Zheng got off to an exciting start, trading the first seven games in the first set. In Game 8, Zheng finally broke Rybakina to take a 5-3 lead. Rybakina did almost the same in the ninth game, taking three of the first four points in the game. But Zheng fought back, eventually winning the game.
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From there, Rybakina and Zheng reached the advantage seven times before Zheng was able to finally close out the game. In doing so, he took the first set 6-3.
Both players seemed to be working their aces in the first set, as neither managed to serve above 50 percent. Zheng was more successful on that front, scoring four aces to Rybakina’s one in a set.
Elena Rybakina hit a pass in the second set
It was a far different story in the second set. Rybakina got a better handle on her serve, while Zheng often failed to play the first attempt. In the set, Rybakina was successful on 58 percent of her first-serve attempts. Zheng clocked in at 38 percent. While it wasn’t a pure game from Rybakina — who had more unforced errors and two double faults — it didn’t look good on paper.
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Rybakina cruised to a 6-1 win in the second set, breaking Zheng twice to collect the victory and send the match to the third set.
After the final period, Rybakina pulled out the win
Both players were locked in the final set. With both consistently getting their first-serve attempts in, Rybakina and Zheng traded the first eight games in the set.
It wasn’t until the ninth game that Rybakina finally broke Zheng. This marked the 10th game in which Rybakina would serve with a power match on the line.
He got the job done, finally dispatching Zheng – who proved to be a thorn in the side of several higher-ranked opponents in the event – and moving on to the semifinals.
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Even with the loss, Zheng proved she was close to form after battling injuries early in 2026. After first-round exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon, Zheng showed the form that allowed her to receive the 2024 Olympic gold. If he can hold on, Zheng must return to the order after the injuries in his downfall.
As for Rybakina, she can keep her eyes open. There’s no better way to follow up that crowning than to go out and win a Grand Slam. If he can do that, he will no doubt deserve it.