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The toronto open produced a dramatic quarter-final comeback as Elena Rybakina recovered from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka in Toronto. The Kazakh player eventually prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in a contest lasting two hours and 33 minutes.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, appeared to be in control after winning the opening set and moving 4-2 ahead in the second. However, Rybakina refused to surrender, turning the momentum around with a determined run that changed the entire match.
Toronto Open thriller ends in a remarkable Rybakina comeback
Osaka made the perfect start, breaking Rybakina in the opening game before building enough pressure to take the first set 6-4. Her aggressive return game continued to trouble the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who struggled to find consistency from the baseline.
The second set looked likely to follow the same pattern. Although Osaka’s first break was retrieved, she broke again to establish a 4-2 advantage. Rybakina then produced her strongest stretch of the match, winning three consecutive games and forcing the set into a tie-break.
She held her nerve in the deciding points, winning the tie-break 7-5 to level the match. The turnaround was especially impressive given the number of errors Rybakina had made throughout the contest.
Rybakina survives errors and crucial pressure
Rybakina finished with 72 unforced errors, her highest total in a match this season. Despite that costly statistic, she continued to attack and found enough important points when the pressure was at its peak.
Osaka had a major opportunity early in the deciding set. She earned four break points while leading 3-2, but Rybakina saved them all and held serve. The missed chances proved expensive, as Rybakina broke Osaka in the following game to move into a commanding position.
From there, Rybakina did not allow the match to slip away. She served confidently, using her powerful delivery to keep Osaka from mounting another challenge. The victory was sealed with her 15th ace, completing one of the most impressive recoveries of the tournament.
“I was just trying to fight,” Rybakina said after the match. She acknowledged that the opening game had made the first set difficult but praised her own determination to remain close to the score, even while trailing.
“The first game was really tough because it cost me the set, and then in the second I was just trying to stay closer to the score, even if I’m losing. I’m super happy that I won this match,” she added.
What comes next for Osaka and Rybakina?
Rybakina’s reward is a semi-final against Coco Gauff. The American advanced after Belinda Bencic withdrew from their quarter-final because of a hip injury. That meeting gives Rybakina another demanding test and creates a compelling clash between two powerful, athletic players.
The other semi-final will feature Iga Swiatek against Elina Svitolina. Swiatek delivered a dominant performance in her quarter-final, defeating Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1. Svitolina reached the last four by overcoming Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
For Osaka, the defeat ended her Toronto campaign after a promising run. She also confirmed that she would withdraw from the Cincinnati Open, the final tournament before the US Open, citing fatigue.
- Elena Rybakina defeated Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
- The match lasted two hours and 33 minutes.
- Rybakina committed 72 unforced errors but hit 15 aces.
- Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.
- Naomi Osaka withdrew from Cincinnati because of fatigue.
A major boost before the US Open
Rybakina’s comeback could provide significant momentum ahead of the US Open. Her ability to win despite an unusually high error count highlights both her resilience and her ability to produce decisive tennis during key moments.
Osaka’s decision to rest before the final Grand Slam of the season also places the focus on preparation and recovery. After a physically demanding Toronto Open campaign, managing fatigue may be crucial as she looks to return to the sport’s biggest stage in stronger condition.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Toronto Open quarter-final between Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina?
Elena Rybakina defeated Naomi Osaka in three sets, winning 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
How did Elena Rybakina turn the match around?
Rybakina recovered from a 4-2 deficit in the second set, won three straight games and took the tie-break before breaking Osaka in the deciding set.
Who will Rybakina play next?
Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the Toronto Open semi-finals.
Why is Naomi Osaka missing the Cincinnati Open?
Osaka said she was withdrawing from Cincinnati because of fatigue. The tournament is the last event before the US Open.
