CINCINNATI — Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka suffered a stunning 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open, marking a significant setback for the world No. 2 ahead of the US Open. The match, which lasted just over an hour, saw Rybakina dominate from the outset, leaving Sabalenka struggling to find her rhythm.
Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, entered the tournament as one of the favorites but was outplayed by Rybakina’s precision and powerful serving. The Kazakhstani player, ranked No. 4 in the world, broke Sabalenka’s serve three times in the first set, wrapping it up in just 26 minutes. "I knew I had to be aggressive from the start," Rybakina said in her post-match interview. "Aryna is a great player, so I had to take control early."
A Dominant First Set
Rybakina’s dominance in the opening set was undeniable. She won 85% of her first-serve points and converted all three break-point opportunities. Sabalenka, usually known for her aggressive baseline play, committed 15 unforced errors in the first set alone, struggling to handle Rybakina’s deep returns and angled winners.
Key factors in Rybakina’s success included:
- Superior first-serve percentage (72% vs. Sabalenka’s 58%)
- Fewer unforced errors (8 compared to Sabalenka’s 15)
- Consistent pressure on Sabalenka’s second serve
Sabalenka’s Brief Fightback
The second set saw a slight improvement from Sabalenka, who managed to hold serve in the opening game and even earned a break point in the fourth game. However, Rybakina’s composure under pressure proved decisive. She saved the break point with an ace and later broke Sabalenka in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead.
Sabalenka’s frustration was evident as she smashed her racket after a missed forehand in the eighth game. "I couldn’t find my game today," Sabalenka admitted. "Elena was just too good. She didn’t give me any chances."
Rybakina’s Road to the Semis
With this victory, Rybakina advances to the semi-finals, where she will face either world No. 1 Iga Świątek or Markéta Vondroušová. The win also strengthens her head-to-head record against Sabalenka to 4-2, having defeated her earlier this year at the Indian Wells semi-finals.
Rybakina’s coach, Stefano Vukov, praised her tactical execution: "Elena stuck to the plan perfectly. She knew Aryna would come out swinging, so we focused on consistency and depth. It paid off."
Implications for the US Open
This loss raises questions about Sabalenka’s form heading into the US Open, where she is expected to be a top contender. While she has had a strong season, including a Grand Slam title in Melbourne, her recent performances on hard courts have been inconsistent. In contrast, Rybakina’s confidence is soaring, making her a serious threat in New York.
Tennis analysts have noted that Rybakina’s game is particularly well-suited to fast hard courts, where her serve and flat groundstrokes are most effective. "If she maintains this level, she’s a favorite for the US Open," said former champion Tracy Austin.
Conclusion
Sabalenka’s early exit in Cincinnati is a reminder of the depth in women’s tennis, where even the top players can be toppled on any given day. For Rybakina, this victory reinforces her status as one of the tour’s most dangerous players. As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on whether she can carry this momentum into Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, will look to regroup. "It’s disappointing, but I’ll learn from this and come back stronger," she said. With just two weeks until the final Grand Slam of the year, the pressure is on for both players to deliver.