Elena Rybakina moved one step closer to the world No. 1 ranking after producing a dominant performance against two-time champion Naomi Osaka at the US Open.
The second seed defeated Osaka 6-1, 6-4 at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday to reach the quarterfinals in New York for the first time. The victory also completed Rybakina’s collection of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances, having now reached the last eight at all four major tournaments.
Rybakina has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, dropping just 25 games across her opening four matches. Only Aryna Sabalenka has lost fewer games among the remaining quarterfinalists.
Her latest performance was particularly impressive given that Osaka had pushed her to three sets when they met in Toronto less than a month ago. This time, Rybakina took control from the start, hitting 29 winners and seven aces while committing only 17 unforced errors.
“I honestly didn’t expect it,” Rybakina said after the match.
The Kazakhstani said she was pleased with how well she struck the ball and knew she had to remain focused against Osaka, who is also known for her aggressive style.
Rybakina’s victory has also strengthened her hopes of reaching the top of the PIF WTA Rankings. She can become world No. 1 after the US Open if she beats Zheng Qinwen in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.
The 2024 Olympic champion, however, will present a major challenge. Zheng has won seven matches in a row in New York and has regained the form that has made her one of the most dangerous players on tour.
Rybakina has won four of their five previous meetings, including two three-set encounters earlier this year. She expects another difficult battle but believes her serve could be an important weapon after it played a key role in her victory over Osaka.
“She's definitely found her form,” Rybakina said of Zheng. “She's playing now with a lot of confidence after so many wins in a row, so she's very dangerous.”
Rybakina is now just three wins away from her third Grand Slam title and could also leave New York as the new world No. 1.
For now, though, her focus remains on the next match. After making history by completing her Grand Slam quarterfinal set, she will look to maintain her impressive level against a confident Zheng and continue her push for both another major title and the top ranking.
