Monday 7 September 2026 23:25, UK
Elena Rybakina cruised into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Naomi Osaka, keeping her push for the world No 1 ranking on track. Rybakina will reclaim the top spot if she reaches the semi-finals, and after dismantling two-time champion Osaka on Louis Armstrong, she has every reason to believe she can go all the way and lift the trophy.
The second seed took just over 20 minutes to wrap up the first set 6-1, then secured a decisive break midway through the second to quell a resurgent Osaka and seal an emphatic 6-1 6-4 victory.
"I played really well today. I was feeling the ball was really good from my side," the former Wimbledon champion said. "I was a bit lucky in some moments, found some lines, but super happy with the performance.
"Naomi is a tough opponent. I knew no matter the score I needed to focus on each ball as everything can change quickly. She is also a great player. I am glad how I played today.
"I want to be world No 1. I don't know anyone who wouldn't wish for that. It is one of my goals.
"I don't know what will happen in my next match but if I serve well, as I did today, I think I have all the chances. Hopefully it goes my way."
Sky Sports Tennis' Laura Robson said: "Rybakina's level is just ridiculous. The crowd were keen to keep the match going but she silences them. She had the answer to every question Osaka asked of her. From the first ball, Rybakina led that. Cross-court rallies, Rybakina led that, too. There was just no area where Osaka could find breathing room."
Rybakina will face Qinwen Zheng in the last eight after the Chinese star produced a second epic comeback in as many days at the US Open, stunning former champion Iga Swiatek to reach the quarter-finals for the third time.
