Just In: Elena Rybakina issues immediate complaint to US Open chiefs after reaching semi-final

Elena Rybakina admitted it was tough to adjust to the mid-morning conditions as she came from behind to reach the US Open semi-finals – and to secure the world No. 1 ranking. The two-time Grand Slam champion started off slow against Qinwen Zheng, the former No. 4 who came through qualifying here after an elbow injury saw her ranking tumble outside of the top 120.

The second seed lost the first set and started arguing with her coach, Stefano Vukov, who was sitting courtside. But she stormed through set two and then saved a break point in the decider to clinch a 3-6 6-1 6-4 comeback victory.

Rybakina is known for her composure and her calm, collected celebrations. She will reach the top of the rankings on Monday for the very first time in her career. But she marked the win with a simple fist-pump in the direction of her box before shaking Zheng’s hand and addressing the crowd.

While her celebrations were modest, the 27-year-old admitted that she was too “negative” early in the match, and blamed it on the day session conditions. Rybakina had not yet played a morning match at this year’s US Open before being thrust into the 11.30am slot for the quarter-finals, and had to adjust after being more used to nighttime contests.

“It’s tough to find words. It’s been a very difficult match, and honestly, a lot of nerves, of course. And yeah, it wasn’t maybe the highest level, but I’m glad that I pushed through. And thank you so much, guys, for coming and supporting,” the soon-to-be world No. 1 said.

“It’s been an early match. In my head, I was complaining a little bit about the sun, shadow, a lot of things. It was definitely a battle inside me. But I’m glad that I pushed all the negative thoughts away, and I kept on fighting and yeah, again, super happy to be in the semis here.

Rybakina was also asked about playing for the No. 1 ranking, but she seemed more concerned about the sun and conditions. “Yeah, as I said, I didn’t start that well. I was too much negative,” she replied.

“And also it wasn’t easy because all the matches here I played at night, and I was scheduled to play once in the morning, but then it was raining, so basically it’s been the first match like this in the sun. So yeah, it was a lot of unforced errors, but in the end, I just was telling myself keep on fighting, keep working on some things. In the end, it went my way, and I’m just super happy.

Rybakina will now face Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva for a place in Saturday’s final. The Kazakh started the year by winning her second Major title in Melbourne, and could cap off the Grand Slam season with another trophy. And she’ll wait until next week to enjoy her new status as the world’s highest-ranked tennis player.

“Well it’s just a number right now, and of course, I’m in the semis, so my goal is to win the tournaments which I play, and I go just match at a time,” she added. “It’s an amazing achievement, but you know how quick everything can change in tennis, ranking-wise, during the match, so I feel like I just need to focus on my game, try to recover, and enjoy tomorrow