Rybakina Takes Down World No. 1 Sabalenka in Cincinnati Quarterfinals
The second women’s quarterfinal of the day in Cincinnati delivered a blockbuster clash between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 10 Elena Rybakina.
The two players, neck-and-neck in their head-to-head record (7-5 in Sabalenka’s favor), faced off again less than two months after a thrilling battle in Berlin, where Sabalenka saved match points to win 7-6, 3-6, 7-6.
This time, however, the Australian Open and Roland Garros finalist was completely outplayed by her opponent. Rybakina was aggressive and clinical, claiming the first set 6-1 after winning 100% of the points behind her first serve.
Efficient on break points (3 out of 5 converted), the 2022 Wimbledon champion maintained her momentum by breaking Sabalenka’s serve at 2-1 in the second set. Though she had to save two break points at 4-3, Rybakina closed out the match emphatically with a love hold.
She sealed the upset with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over the world No. 1 and defending champion.
In her first career semifinal in Ohio, she will face Iga Swiatek on Sunday. The two have already met three times this season (United Cup, Doha, and Roland Garros), with Swiatek winning all three encounters.
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