Elena Rybakina claims world number one spot by reaching US Open semi-finals

The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan will usurp Aryna Sabalenka, whose 99-week reign at the top of the rankings will end on Monday.

Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, has been chasing down Sabalenka all year and will be number one for the first time in her career even if the Belarusian goes on to win a third consecutive title.

But Rybakina will have something to say about that as well, having reached the last four at Flushing Meadows for the first time.

“It’s just a number right now, I’m only in the semis and the goal is to win every tournament I play,” she said. “I feel like I just need to focus on my game and enjoy tomorrow.”

Rybakina dropped a set for the first time this fortnight but hit back strongly in the second.

Then Zheng’s near 12 hours on court, through three qualifying matches and five in the main draw, finally caught up with her in the decider as Rybakina won 3-6 6-1 6-4.

“It’s tough to find words,” added Rybakina. “It was a very difficult match, lot’s of nerves, maybe not the highest level but I’m glad I pushed through.

“I didn’t start that well, I was too negative. It was a lot of unforced errors but I told myself to keep on fighting.”

Zheng was enjoying an Emma Raducanu-style run in New York but, although the 23-year-old from China’s fairytale eventually came to an end, she is now back on the verge of the top 50 having slipped to 121 after elbow surgery.