Two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina secured a commanding 6-1 6-4 victory over 13th seed Naomi Osaka on Louis Armstrong Stadium, advancing to the US Open quarter-finals. The Kazakh second seed dominated the match to set up a high-stakes encounter against China’s Zheng Qinwen.
Rybakina is now within reach of the world number one ranking for the first time in her career. She is guaranteed to claim the top spot if she wins her upcoming quarter-final match, regardless of how current leader Aryna Sabalenka performs in her title defense.
Addressing the potential ranking milestone, Rybakina said, “Of course I want it, I don’t know anyone who won’t want this.” She added that she plans to maintain her current approach, focusing on her serving performance and fighting until the end of her next match, stating, “Let’s hope it goes my way.”
Her next opponent, reigning Olympic champion Zheng, earned her spot in the final eight after a dramatic comeback, rallying from a 5-0 deficit in the opening set to defeat former champion Iga Swiatek.
