Two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina has moved into the US Open quarter-finals after a dominant victory over Naomi Osaka. The Kazakh second seed overpowered the 13th-seeded Osaka 6-1, 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium to secure her spot in the final eight.
The Road to Number One
Rybakina is now within reach of the world number one ranking for the first time. She will claim the top spot if she wins her upcoming quarter-final, regardless of whether current leader Aryna Sabalenka defends her title.
Upcoming Quarter-Final Matchup
- Rybakina will face China’s Zheng Qinwen in the next round.
- Reigning Olympic champion Zheng staged a remarkable comeback in her fourth-round match, rallying from 5-0 down in the first set to defeat former champion Iga Swiatek.
Regarding her pursuit of the top ranking, Rybakina said, “Of course I want it, I don’t know anyone who won’t want this.” She remains focused on her performance, adding, “I tried to approach it the same way and do everything I can, and fight to the end of my next match. If I serve as well as I did today, I think I can do well. Let’s hope it goes my way.”
