Elena Rybakina Makes Feelings Known After Becoming First Kazakh to Reach No.1 Ranking: “I Am Very Proud to Represent This Country”

Elena Rybakina scripted history for Kazakhstan. After defeating Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals of the US Open, Rybakina finally dethroned Aryna Sabalenka (not officially yet) from the No.1 ranking, becoming the first Kazakh, male or female, to achieve this milestone.

All Rybakina needed to become the top-ranked player was to reach the semifinals. Had she lost before reaching the last four, one of the three women, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, or Jessica Pegula, would have ended this Major ranked No.1.

Yeah, it’s history. I’m very proud representing Kazakhstan. Every time I come back to Kazakhstan, no matter which city I go, it’s always so many kids. Now they play tennis, and more and more are coming to the tennis facilities. It’s just amazing how many young people are looking up to you. It just proves that everything is possible if you believe, if you work hard.

Elena Rybakina said at the press conference

Rybakina, before this season, had never made it past the third round of the US Open. She is chasing her second Grand Slam title of the season following the Australian Open, where she beat Sabalenka to win her second Major of her career.

The first Major she clinched was at Wimbledon back in 2022, by beating Ons Jabeur. The next year, she reached the final of the Australian Open but lost the title to Sabalenka.

It’s tough for me to say right now because I didn’t even check the phone. Of course, a lot of people are congratulating. I’m not in Kazakhstan right now, but when I go there, I definitely want to give appreciations. It feels amazing going back to Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, not that often I can go. But I think it’s an amazing achievement for the country.

Elena Rybakina added

Rybakina is aiming to win her third title of the season, after the Australian Open and the Stuttgart Open. She also reached the finals of the Indian Wells Open and the Canadian Open, losing them to Karolina Muchova and Iga Swiatek, respectively.

Coco Gauff on facing Elena Rybakina in the US Open semifinals

In the semifinals, Elena Rybakina will face Coco Gauff, who came from a set down to defeat Mirra Andreeva. Rybakina holds a 1-1 head-to-head record over Gauff, also beating her in their last meeting, in the semifinals of this year’s Canadian Open.

Since then, Gauff hasn’t yet lost a match. Before arriving at Flushing Meadows, she defeated Jessica Pegula in the Cincinnati Open final to end her title drought. Apart from the Cincinnati event, Gauff played the title clashes of the Miami Open and the Italian Open, losing them to Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina, respectively.

Elena is playing some great tennis. Congrats to her for being the new World No.1. I think that’s incredible. We played each other in Toronto. It didn’t go my way. I just have to learn from that match. I know I’m gonna have some aces hit on me and some winners hit on me. But I’m gonna keep fighting and give it my all. That’s all I can do.

Coco Gauff said at the press conference

Gauff has already clinched a title in her home Slam. Back in 2023, she defeated Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam title. She then beat the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in last year’s French Open final.

The winner of the Gauff versus Rybakina match will face Sabalenka or Pegula in the final. Only Pegula has never clinched a Major, though she is a one-time runner-up at this level (lost the 2024 US Open to Sabalenka). Pegula, in her quarterfinal match, eliminated countrywoman Emma Navarro.

Also read: Alexandra Eala Given Breakout Star Label Despite Third-Round US Open Exit Sparks Wild Reactions – “Did She Win Anything at All?”