Sports

Rybakina Dominates Osaka to Reach First US Open Quarterfinal, Nears World No. 1 Spot

By WTA Staff

Elena Rybakina moved a step closer to the world No. 1 ranking with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of the US Open on Monday at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The win marked the No. 2 seed's first appearance in the US Open quarterfinals, completing her collection of quarterfinal finishes at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Rybakina, a two-time Grand Slam champion, could rise to the top of the PIF WTA Rankings if she defeats Zheng Qinwen in Wednesday's quarterfinal match. Through four rounds in New York, she has dropped only 25 games, the second-fewest total among the remaining quarterfinalists behind Aryna Sabalenka.

Her performance against Osaka stood out especially given their previous meeting in Toronto less than a month earlier, when Rybakina needed three sets to prevail. On Monday, she struck 29 winners and seven aces while making just 17 unforced errors.

"I honestly didn't expect it," Rybakina said in her on-court interview. "I played really well today. Feeling the ball was really good from my side. A bit lucky in some moments -- I caught some lines. Naomi is a tough opponent. I knew no matter the score I needed to focus on each ball. She's also an aggressive player. I'm very glad with the way I played today."

During her post-match press conference, Rybakina said that while her team's primary goal remains winning titles, reaching the No. 1 ranking is also something she desires. "Of course, I want it. I don't know anyone who wouldn't wish this," she said. "But definitely that's one of my goals. I try to approach it the same way -- do everything I can, fight until the end of my next match, and see what happens."

Rybakina has won four of her five career matches against Zheng, including two three-set contests earlier this season. However, she acknowledged that Zheng -- the 2024 Olympic gold medalist -- has been in excellent form in New York, having won seven consecutive matches.

"She definitely found her form, and I feel like she's playing now with a lot of confidence after so many wins in a row, so she's very dangerous," Rybakina said. "We played before, so I know it's going to be a very difficult match. Of course, I will focus on myself and try to serve well. Today it really helped me a lot. If I can serve the same way next match, it's going to be great."