Elena Rybakina beats Qinwen Zheng to reach US Open semifinals

Elena Rybakina advanced to the semifinals of the US Open on September 9 with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Qinwen Zheng in Flushing Meadows, New York. The win secures Rybakina the world number one ranking, making her the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the top spot. Zheng, who entered the main draw via qualifying, led the match after taking the opening set. Analysts Tim Henman and Laura Robson pointed to Rybakina's aggressive return strategy and depth as the turning point in the second set. Critics questioned the lack of coaching intervention from Zheng’s side during the shift in momentum, particularly as her first serve percentage dropped. Rybakina now moves on to face either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals.

• 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Qinwen Zheng’s coach criticised after what he failed to do during her match with Elena Rybakina at the US Open