Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Qinwen Zheng and reach the US Open semi-finals, a result that also guarantees she will become the new world No. 1 on Monday.
Comeback victory over Zheng
The second seed lost the first set and fell behind early, but she stormed through the second set and saved a break point in the decider to clinch a 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory. Zheng, a former world No. 4, came through qualifying at this year's tournament after an elbow injury dropped her ranking outside the top 120.
During the match, Rybakina argued with her coach, Stefano Vukov, who was sitting courtside. But after the win, she celebrated with a simple fist-pump toward her box before shaking Zheng's hand and addressing the crowd.
Rybakina admits struggles with conditions
The 27-year-old admitted she was too “negative” early in the match and blamed the day session conditions. She had not played a morning match at this year's US Open before being placed in the 11.30am slot for the quarter-finals, having been more accustomed to nighttime contests.
“It’s tough to find words. It’s been a very difficult match, and honestly, a lot of nerves, of course. And yeah, it wasn’t maybe the highest level, but I’m glad that I pushed through. And thank you so much, guys, for coming and supporting,” the soon-to-be world No. 1 said.
Battle within herself
“It’s been an early match. In my head, I was complaining a little bit about the sun, shadow, a lot of things. It was definitely a battle inside me. But I'm glad that I pushed all the negative thoughts away, and I kept on fighting and yeah, again, super happy to be in the semis here,” she added.
Rybakina will reach the top of the rankings for the first time in her career, and she now advances to the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.
