Aryna Sabalenka watches Rybakina take her No. 1 throne, then gets back to work

Elena Rybakina beat Zheng Qinwen to reach the US Open semi-finals as Aryna Sabalenka watched the finish during practice. The win ends Sabalenka's 99-week stay as world number one and gives Kazakhstan its first player at the top.Sabalenka returned to practice after witnessing Rybakina's landmark achievement. (Photo: Reuters)Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign as the world's No. 1 women's tennis player is coming to an end, with Elena Rybakina officially taking over the top spot after reaching the US Open semi-finals. While Rybakina celebrated a milestone she had dreamed of, ESPN caught Sabalenka's live reaction to the changing of the guard.Rybakina fought back from a set down to beat Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 and book her place in the last four at Flushing Meadows. The victory gave her enough ranking points to move above Sabalenka when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday, ending the Belarusian's lengthy spell at No. 1.These courts will make her feel brand new (world No.1)Elena Rybakina defeats Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the US Open semifinals and clinch the WTA’s top spot! pic.twitter.com/vA4KKSLYZc— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2026Interestingly, Sabalenka was not completely removed from the moment. The four-time Grand Slam champion was in the middle of a practice session when she stopped to watch the closing stages of Rybakina's quarter-final, with ESPN capturing her reaction after the Kazakh sealed the victory.Rybakina's achievement marks a historic moment for Kazakhstan as she becomes the first player representing the country, male or female, to reach No. 1. For Sabalenka, however, there is still plenty to play for as she remains in contention for a third consecutive US Open title. SABALENKA WATCHES THE MOMENT, THEN GETS BACK TO WORKSabalenka briefly stopped her practice to watch Rybakina close out the match. Once the result was confirmed, she returned to her training, seemingly wasting little time dwelling on the loss of her ranking.Rybakina, meanwhile, admitted that the significance of the moment had not fully sunk in. “Becoming the WTA World No.1 is something I've dreamed about since I was a young girl, it means so much to me,” Rybakina said.“I'm so proud of this moment. I want to thank my whole team for their support and being able to celebrate this achievement with me.”A NEW CHAPTER IN SABALENKA-RYBAKINA RIVALRYThe change at the top adds another chapter to an increasingly intriguing rivalry. Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, before the Belarusian responded with victories over her at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.With both players still alive in New York, another showdown cannot be ruled out. Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, while Sabalenka will continue her bid for another US Open crown.The No. 1 ranking may now belong to Rybakina, but Sabalenka still has the chance to finish her New York campaign with the trophy in her hands.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 07:46 IST