Rybakina takes top ranking

Elena Rybakina ensured she will leave the U.S. Open as the new world number one following her victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen on Wednesday, while 2023 champion Coco Gauff recovered from a slow start to set upa semi-final clash with the Kazakh.

A day after Ben Shelton took out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the latest-finishing match at Flushing Meadows, Alexander Zverev wrapped up the action in double-quick time by thumping Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.

The German top seed will take on Karen Khachanov in the next round after the Russian went through when Alexander Blockx retired while trailing ?6-2, 7-5, 3-2.

With Aryna Sabalenka (top seed), Rybakina (second), Jessica Pegula (third) and Gauff (fourth) all through to the final four, it marks the first time all four top-seeded women have reached a Grand Slam semi-final since Wimbledon in 2009.

Zheng had earned a reputation as a comeback artist at Flushing Meadows but ran out of gas on Wednesday, losing 3-6, 6-1,6-4 as Rybakina chipped away at her defences after overcoming early mistakes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It’s tough to find words,” said Rybakina, who will dethrone Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings on Monday. “It wasn’t maybe the highest level but I’m glad I pushed through.”

U.S. fan favourite Gauff then got off to a dreadful start before recovering to beat Russian fifth seed Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.

Gauff improved her level dramatically as the match wore ?on, drawing inspiration from compatriot Frances Tiafoe’s recovery from two sets down the previous evening as she saved two match points in the tiebreak.

“Elena – she’s the new world number one so it’s going to be a tough match,” said Gauff. “I’m looking forward to the battle. These are the moments you live for.”