Rybakina's surge to the world No. 1 ranking and a third Grand Slam title is a microcosm of her singular backstory.

Elena Rybakina ended Zheng Qinwen's US Open campaign with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win in the quarterfinals on Wednesday and became the new world No. 1 for the first time in her career.

From Wimbledon glory to Australian Open triumphs, Elena Rybakina’s journey to the top of women’s tennis was written long before the ranking followed.

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.