'Sorpas' in the WTA: Rybakina takes the number 1 spot from Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina has just become the thirtieth number 1 in the history of the WTA. The Kazakh tennis player has defeated Qinwen Zheng to reach the semifinals of the US Open, which ensures she will leave New York as the new queen of the circuit regardless of what Aryna Sabalenka achieves, who has seen her reign come to an end after a year filled with ups and downs.
Just 3 weeks ago, Rybakina raised alarms by withdrawing from WTA Cincinnati due to severe foot pain, putting her participation in the US Open at risk. However, Elena made a tremendous effort to be in New York knowing she could make history and fulfill her dream of sitting on the WTA throne, which has paid off. A milestone that fills her with confidence for the remainder of the tournament, and reflects the great year she has had, where she has been the most consistent player on the circuit.
Gauff and Pegula are also knocking on the door
No matter how much Sabalenka wins the tournament in New York, Rybakina knew that reaching the semifinals was enough for her, and that’s what she’s done. If she loses in the next round, she will leave the US Open with 8,681 points, while Sabalenka currently has 7,355. If the Belarusian manages to win her third consecutive title in 'The Big Apple', she will end up with 8,575, which means she will no longer have a chance to respond. However, she did say in a press conference yesterday that she would be happy if Rybakina takes the number 1 spot but she wins the trophy.
It’s also true that in the remainder of the season Rybakina will be defending quite a few points, such as the title at the WTA Finals, so everything could change in an instant. Moreover, there are other names like Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff who could join the fight, in a testament that the circuit is tighter than ever and is no longer just a two-player battle.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Sorpasso" en la WTA: Rybakina arrebata el número 1 a Sabalenka