Elena Rybakina, a tennis player from Kazakhstan, has advanced to the semifinals of the US Open and is guaranteed to become the world number one in women’s tennis next week. Starting the tournament ranked second in the world, Rybakina secured her quarterfinal victory on Wednesday, September 9, in New York, defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng, who was ranked 121st. The match went to three sets, with Rybakina winning 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. After losing the first set, she quickly adapted and dominated the next two sets, showing strong mental resilience and skill. Rybakina’s win ensures she will rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time in her career, replacing Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka, who has held the number one spot for 99 weeks. Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion, had the most points to defend during the tournament, but Rybakina’s consistent performance this year has allowed her to take the lead. Even if Sabalenka wins another title at the US Open, Rybakina will still become the new number one, as Sabalenka’s points will decrease following the tournament. Rybakina, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, has been steadily climbing the rankings throughout 2026. She reached the semifinals of the US Open for the first time, a significant milestone in her career. Despite managing an ankle injury before the tournament, Rybakina has been in remarkable form, playing 60 matches this year and winning 47 of them. Her performance on hard courts has been especially strong, with 34 wins on that surface this season. She has also been successful against top players, winning 13 of her 20 matches against other top-20 players. In the semifinals, Rybakina will face either American Coco Gauff or 15-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Meanwhile, Sabalenka will play against Jessica Pegula. Rybakina’s powerful serve has been a key factor in her success, with 394 aces this season—more than any other player on the WTA Tour. As she prepares for the next round, Rybakina remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment and continuing to play her best tennis.