Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance to end Aryna Sabalenka’s title defense at the Cincinnati Open. The Kazakh star recorded a straight-sets 6-1 6-4 win, booking her place in the semi-finals against Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
The world No.1, competing in her first tournament since the Wimbledon semi-finals, struggled to match Rybakina’s power and consistency, losing in just over an hour.
Rybakina’s Strong Serving Makes the Difference
The 2022 Wimbledon champion fired 11 aces and faced five break points but saved them all. Sabalenka’s best chance came in the opening game, yet she failed to capitalise.
Rybakina broke twice to wrap up the first set with ease. An early break in the second gave her a 2-1 lead, and she resisted pressure late on before sealing the victory with a love hold. The win ensures she will climb higher than her current No.10 world ranking.
Swiatek Advances Past Kalinskaya
Earlier, Iga Swiatek secured a 6-3 6-4 win over Anna Kalinskaya to set up the blockbuster clash. She earned a break to lead 3-1 in the opener and saved a break point to take the set.
Both players exchanged breaks at the start of the second, but Swiatek struck again for a 4-3 advantage. Kalinskaya saved four match points in a tense penultimate game, yet Swiatek remained composed and finished the job.
A win on Sunday would see Swiatek reach her first WTA 1000 final in 15 months and confirm her spot at the WTA Finals for the fifth year in a row.
Kudermetova Awaits Semi-Final Opponent
In other results, Veronika Kudermetova brushed aside Varvara Gracheva 6-1 6-2. She will meet either Coco Gauff or Jasmine Paolini, who are scheduled to play in the evening session.
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