Osaka Fights But Falls To Relentless Rybakina At US Open

Rybakina in action

Elena Rybakina clears Naomi Osaka hurdle as bid for third grand slam gathers pace. Flawless Rybakina dismantles Osaka 6-1, 6-4 to reach US Open last eight.

Rybakina roars past Osaka into US Open quarter-finals, one win from World No.1...

 

  

Elena Rybakina powered past former US Open winner Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 on Monday to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows, taking another big step toward a third Grand Slam title.  

The dominant win, for the 2022 Wimbledon and 2024 Australian Open champion, sets up a quarter-final against Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen. It also leaves Rybakina just one victory away from claiming the world No.1 ranking for the first time.  

“Of course I want ‌it. I don't know anyone who wouldn't wish for it. It's definitely one of my goals,” said Rybakina, shortly after reaching her maiden quarter-finals in ‌New York.

“I'll try to approach (the match) the same ⁠way and try to do ‌everything I can. Fight till the end in my next match. Let's see what's going to happen.

“If I serve as well as I did today, I think I have all the chances. I'll try my best. Hopefully it's going to go my way.”

  

The second seed blitzed through the first set in 22 minutes. She broke twice from three chances and closed it with a huge serve, leaving two-time US Open winner Osaka struggling on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“I didn't expect that. I thought I played really well; I was feeling ‌the ball well,” added Rybakina.

“Naomi's a tough opponent. I knew that no matter the score, I needed to focus on each ball as everything can change quickly.

“She's a very aggressive player, so I'm so glad about the way I played today.”

 

13th seed Osaka made a bold entrance in a fur-collared coat with oversized branding, a cityscape mural and her own portrait. She started the second set stronger, but Rybakina quickly took back control.  

Osaka clutched her left leg with the score at 2-2. An Achilles problem from the third round was lingering, but the 28-year-old fended off a break point to remain competitive.  

Rybakina kept Osaka pinned back with deep groundstrokes. The key break came in game seven when Osaka netted a forehand, and Rybakina wrapped up the match in 66 minutes.  

By The Numbers