Can Elena Rybakina become world No.1 at the US Open?

Yes — if she advances to the latter rounds (especially the final) and maintains her serving form, she can overtake the current No.1 because Grand Slam points are decisive in ranking swings.

Who is favoured in Gauff vs Andreeva?

Coco Gauff is the safer pick due to experience and tactical variety; Andreeva is dangerous but less consistent under prolonged pressure.

What should viewers watch for in Rybakina’s matches?

Watch her first-serve percentage, how often she finishes points quickly, and her reaction in high-pressure return games — those moments will decide her ranking fate.

Rybakina’s Ascent: Serve, Spine and the Race for No.1 — Gauff Faces Andreeva Next

The US Open has turned into a ranking chessboard: Elena Rybakina arrives at Flushing Meadows with a genuine shot at the world No. 1 crown, and every match now carries double currency — Grand Slam glory and ranking gold. Her form on hard courts this season has been quietly dominant; the serve that built her title runs remains the blunt instrument that separates her from rivals. The atmosphere is tense and precise: one lapse and the opportunity evaporates, but she has the tools to close.

Technically, Rybakina’s game is simple and lethal — a heavy first serve, flat winners, and surprisingly calm lateral movement for a player of her height. The tactical risk is that against counter-punchers she can be extended and tested in long rallies; the mental test is converting pressure points. If she keeps the margin on serve and avoids slip-ups in return games, the climb to No. 1 is straightforward; if she doesn’t, the window will slam shut quickly.

Across the stadium Coco Gauff versus Mirra Andreeva promises a classic contrast: Gauff’s blend of athletic retrieval, tactical variety and seasoned composure against Andreeva’s terrorizing ball-striking and fearless running-through walls aggression. Experience favors Gauff — she reads pace and timing better and can manufacture breaks, while Andreeva’s upside is a match-shortening cannon that can blow opponents off rhythm. Expect a clash of temperament as much as of topspin: patience versus panic.

The Guru’s read is crisp: Rybakina will be world No. 1 by tournament’s end if she navigates the quarters with her serve intact — she has the mentality to do it but cannot afford a fluke collapse. For Gauff vs Andreeva I back Gauff to prevail in a tight three-set duel; Andreeva will win flashes, but not the pattern. Advice to bettors and pundits: respect Rybakina’s serve, favour Gauff’s consistency, and don’t be surprised if rankings shift before the fortnight is over.