Elena Rybakina: Path to World No.1 and US Open Victory Over Zheng Qinwen

Elena Rybakina wrote a new chapter in her career by reaching the US Open quarterfinals for the first time, overcoming a dramatic victory over Zheng Qinwen. What made this match special was not just the result but how she bounced back from a first-set loss. After losing the opening set 6-2, Rybakina changed her baseline tactics, hitting deeper and heavier shots to push Zheng back. The second set was a display of dominance with 10 winners to Zheng's one winner, resulting in a 6-0 scoreline. The third set saw Rybakina maintain pressure, capitalizing on Zheng's late double fault to close out the match. This victory marks a mental breakthrough for Rybakina, who had previously lost all six US Open matches when trailing after the first set. It also signals her readiness to challenge for the world number one spot, as she continues to evolve from a Wimbledon specialist into an all-surface threat.