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Rybakina Overpowers Osaka to Close in on No. 1 Ranking
Confirmed
In Short: Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina defeated two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka to advance to the quarter-finals and move closer to becoming the world's top-ranked player.
Elena Rybakina, the Kazakhstani second seed, overpowered 13th-seeded Naomi Osaka to secure a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory in the US Open's fourth round. The match, played on Louis Armstrong Stadium, saw Rybakina dominate from the start, breaking Osaka's serve early in the second set and eventually sealing the victory in just over an hour.
Rybakina's performance was a testament to her form, as she hit 29 winners to Osaka's nine and converted two of her three break-point chances. The Kazakhstani player, who has won two Grand Slam titles, showed no signs of letting up, maintaining a strong serve and deep groundstrokes that left Osaka struggling to keep up.
Despite Osaka's strong backing from the crowd, she was unable to find a rhythm against Rybakina, who dropped only four points on serve. The match was particularly impressive for Rybakina, who hit seven aces and maintained a steady performance throughout, even when Osaka showed greater resistance early in the second set.
Rybakina's victory sets her up for a quarter-final match against China's Zheng Qinwen, with a potential path to the world number one ranking if she wins her next match. The Kazakhstani player expressed her desire for the top spot, saying, 'Of course I want it, I don't know anyone who won't want this.
Rybakina's performance was not just about her individual brilliance but also about the draw she faced, which brought her up against Osaka earlier than she would have hoped. However, her consistent play and strong serving ensured that she maintained control throughout the match, leaving Osaka unable to contend with her deep groundstrokes and powerful serve.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Rybakina will become world number one for the first time if she wins her last-eight tie in New York - even if top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka goes on to defend her title.
- Reigning Australian Open champion Rybakina opened up a double break over Osaka, before sealing the set in just 21 minutes.
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- The Kazakhstani consistently found her spots and kept the ball beyond Osaka's reach, converted two of her three break-point chances and finished the set with an ace as she raced into a commanding position.
- She was able to hold her ground on serve before Rybakina finally found the breakthrough in the seventh game to move ahead.
- This time, however, her campaign came to an end in the fourth round after being handed a difficult draw that brought her up against Rybakina earlier than she would have hoped. - Ends Published By: alan john Published On: Sep 8, 2026 03:15 IST Pakistan overcome India loss to book Women's Asia Cup semis spot with Hong Kong win | Amazon cargo jet crash in Miami: probe focuses on late touchdown | After 25 years, 9/11 suspect's al-Qaeda, Saudi links emerge; FBI never pursued him | What lies beneath?
- Elena Rybakina took another confident step towards a potential third Grand Slam title on Monday, producing a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over former US Open champion Naomi Osaka to book her place in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.
- The dominant win sets up a last-eight meeting with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and leaves Rybakina just one more victory away from becoming world No.