The Cincinnati Open has delivered its fair share of surprises this week, but Friday’s quarterfinal result might be the biggest shock yet. In a commanding display of power and precision, Elena Rybakina dismantled defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4, booking her place in the semifinals and sending a clear message to the rest of the field: she’s here to win.
From the very first game, Rybakina made her intentions known. She came out with an aggressive game plan, dictating rallies with her booming serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes that left Sabalenka scrambling. The opening set was a masterclass from the Kazakhstani star, as she broke Sabalenka’s serve early and never looked back, racing to a 6-1 scoreline in just over half an hour.
Sabalenka, known for her fierce competitive spirit and ability to turn matches around, tried to mount a comeback in the second set. The Belarusian began to find her rhythm, holding serve with more authority and pushing Rybakina into longer rallies. However, Rybakina’s consistency on key points, coupled with her calm demeanor under pressure, kept Sabalenka from gaining any real foothold.
The decisive break came late in the second set when Rybakina capitalized on a series of unforced errors from the defending champion. Serving for the match at 5-4, Rybakina showed no signs of nerves. She closed out the contest with a crisp ace, sealing one of her most impressive victories of the season.
For Sabalenka, the loss marks a disappointing end to her title defense in Cincinnati. Coming in as the top seed and reigning champion, she was widely expected to make another deep run. However, Rybakina’s relentless pressure and tactical sharpness proved too much to overcome on the day.
For Rybakina, the win is more than just a semifinal berth — it’s a statement. Defeating the world’s best player in straight sets, and doing so with such authority, is the kind of performance that can shift the dynamics heading into the final stages of a tournament.
Next up, Rybakina will face Iga Swiatek, the current world No. 2 and another formidable opponent. Their matchup promises to be a clash of styles: Swiatek’s heavy topspin and court coverage against Rybakina’s flat, aggressive hitting and serving firepower. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a spot in the Cincinnati final on the line.
Fans and analysts alike are already buzzing about the potential drama of the semifinal. Both players have been in top form this week, and their head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue. For Rybakina, this match is an opportunity to not only advance to the final but also to build even more momentum heading into the US Open.
If her performance against Sabalenka is any indication, Rybakina has every reason to believe she can go all the way in Cincinnati. And with the kind of tennis she played today — fearless, focused, and ruthlessly efficient — the rest of the draw will certainly be on high alert.