Elena Rybakina overcame a deficit of a set and a break to defeat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in a two-hour and 33-minute quarter-final at the Canadian Open in Toronto, according to tournament reports. Rybakina committed 72 unforced errors during the match—her highest count in a single fixture this season—before rallying to secure the three-set victory. According to Just Women’s Sports, the world No. 2 sealed the win with a second-serve ace after launching a crucial comeback in the second-set tiebreak.
How Rybakina Surged Past Osaka in Toronto
Japan’s Osaka claimed the opening set in 42 minutes after breaking Rybakina in the very first game, according to Firstpost. The four-time Grand Slam champion then pushed her advantage to 4-2 in the second set. Despite the deficit, Rybakina captured three consecutive games to force a tiebreak, which she narrowly secured to level the match at one set apiece.
In the deciding third set, Rybakina successfully defended four break points while leading 3-2, according to match statistics. She immediately broke Osaka’s serve in the following game and went on to close out the contest. Rybakina finished the match with 15 total aces, claiming all 18 of her first-serve points in the final set, as reported by Just Women’s Sports. Following the match, Osaka announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Cincinnati Open due to fatigue.
Pro Tip: Watch the Serve Statistics
Upcoming Semi-Final Matchups at the Canadian Open
Rybakina advances to face fourth seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, according to Firstpost. Gauff progressed to the final four without striking a ball after her scheduled quarter-final opponent, Belinda Bencic, withdrew from the tournament due to a hip injury. The only previous meeting between Gauff and Rybakina took place in Toronto in 2022, where the American won in three sets.
On the opposite side of the tournament draw, Iga Świątek advanced to the semi-finals following a 6-2, 6-1 victory against Diana Shnaider. Świątek will meet Elina Svitolina, who booked her place in the next round by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, according to tournament coverage.
Did You Know?
A title run at the Canadian Open would pull Elena Rybakina within four ranking points of current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, according to Just Women’s Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Elena Rybakina beat in the Canadian Open quarter-finals?
Elena Rybakina defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
Who will Elena Rybakina play in the semi-finals?
Rybakina will face fourth seed Coco Gauff, who advanced after Belinda Bencic withdrew with a hip injury.
Why did Naomi Osaka withdraw from the Cincinnati Open?
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final tournament before the US Open citing fatigue.
Who are the players in the other Canadian Open semi-final?
The other semi-final features Iga Świątek against Elina Svitolina.
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