Rybakina Dominates Osaka at US Open, Nears World No.1 Spot!

Elena Rybakina has delivered a sensational performance at the US Open, overpowering two-time champion Naomi Osaka to secure her spot in the quarter-finals. The Kazakh second seed, fresh off not dropping a single set in her previous matches, dominated 13th seed Osaka with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

This win puts Rybakina tantalizingly close to claiming the world number one ranking for the very first time.

Rybakina's path to the top is now clear: if she wins her upcoming quarter-final match, she will become the world number one, regardless of how current top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka performs. Her next challenge will be against China's Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion, who herself pulled off a remarkable comeback from 5-0 down in the first set to defeat former champion Iga Swiatek.

Speaking about the prospect of becoming world number one, the 27-year-old Rybakina expressed her desire, stating, "Of course I want it, I don't know anyone who won't want this." She emphasized her focus on her next match, aiming to "do everything I can, and fight to the end." Her serve was a key weapon against Osaka, dropping only four points on it throughout the match, a performance she hopes to replicate.

Naomi Osaka, 28, who has won four Grand Slam titles, admitted to struggling with leg pain during the match.

Despite showing greater resistance in the second set and having her only break point opportunity, Osaka ultimately couldn't match Rybakina's relentless deep groundstrokes and powerful play. Rybakina broke Osaka to go 4-3 up in the second set before comfortably closing out the match, sealing her dominant run into the last eight.

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