Image Source: BBC
Rybakina seized control of her US Open fourth-round match against Naomi Osaka on Monday, producing a devastating first set before moving ahead in a much tighter second set. The second seed from Kazakhstan won the opening set 6-1 and was leading 4-3 in the second when the latest BBC live update was published.
The contest on Louis Armstrong Stadium had been billed as one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament. Osaka, a two-time US Open champion and the 13th seed, arrived with strong momentum and significant support from the New York crowd. However, Rybakina quickly turned the match into a display of power, precision and outstanding serving.
Rybakina delivers a powerful US Open opening set
The first set lasted little more than 20 minutes and was largely controlled by Rybakina. She struck the ball cleanly from the baseline, moved Osaka from side to side and consistently found the corners with deep, accurate groundstrokes.
Osaka’s problems were made worse by her serve. At 1-2, the Japanese player committed three double faults in one service game, handing Rybakina a break with minimal resistance. The Kazakh player then saved a break point in the next game with a powerful ace before extending her advantage.
Rybakina broke again at 5-1 and served out the set with an ace out wide. BBC commentary described her performance as “relentless” and “imperious”, while former British number one Annabel Croft noted that Osaka was struggling to keep pace with the speed and direction of the ball.
- Rybakina won the opening set 6-1.
- The first set was completed in just over 20 minutes.
- Osaka made three double faults in the game that handed Rybakina the first break.
- Rybakina repeatedly attacked the corners and kept points short.
Osaka fights back as second set becomes tighter
The second set offered Osaka a far more encouraging start. The crowd became noticeably louder as the four-time major winner held her opening service game to 15, showing glimpses of the powerful tennis that has made her one of the sport’s biggest names.
Rybakina remained composed, though, and continued to apply pressure with a combination of heavy serves and aggressive returns. She held for 1-1 and soon brought up a break point against Osaka at 2-1. Osaka responded with an ace down the T, drawing one of the biggest cheers of the match, before eventually holding serve.
The 27-year-old continued to create opportunities as the set progressed. At 3-2, Osaka saved another break point after an 11-shot rally and a fierce cross-court forehand from Rybakina. A couple of big serves helped the American-born Japanese star escape once again, but she remained under constant pressure.
That pressure finally told at 3-3. Two more double faults from Osaka gave Rybakina two break points, and Osaka then sent a backhand into the net. Rybakina moved ahead 4-3 and was serving with the chance to strengthen her position in the set.
World number one ranking adds extra drama
The stakes extend beyond a place in the US Open quarter-finals. Rybakina will replace Aryna Sabalenka as world number one if she reaches the last four in New York. That possibility gives the match an added layer of significance as the tournament enters its decisive stage.
Rybakina has already shown the form required to make a deep run. Her serve has been reliable, her first-strike tennis has been highly effective and her movement has allowed her to dictate exchanges against Osaka. If she closes out the match, she will strengthen her position as one of the leading contenders for the women’s singles title.
For Osaka, the immediate challenge is to extend the match and force Rybakina into uncomfortable territory. The second set has demonstrated that she can compete more closely when her first serve lands and her powerful forehand begins to find its range. The Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd is firmly behind her, creating an atmosphere that could still influence the contest.
Other major US Open results
The day has already produced a significant upset elsewhere in the women’s draw. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen defeated six-time major winner Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3. Swiatek has not reached the last eight in New York since winning the title in 2022.
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva also recovered after losing the opening set to Anastasia Potapova, winning through to the quarter-finals. In the men’s draw, Belgian Alexander Blockx moved one set away from the last eight against Francisco Cerundolo after taking a 2-1 lead.
As per BBC live reporting, the Rybakina-Osaka match remains one of the central stories of US Open day nine. The result could shape both the quarter-final line-up and the next world rankings update.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rybakina playing at the US Open?
Elena Rybakina is playing Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of the women’s singles draw at the US Open.
What was the score between Rybakina and Osaka?
Rybakina won the first set 6-1 and was leading 4-3 in the second set when the latest update was published.
Can Rybakina become world number one?
Yes. Rybakina will replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the rankings if she reaches the US Open semi-finals.
How many US Open titles has Osaka won?
Naomi Osaka is a two-time US Open champion. She won the title in 2018 and 2020.
Who else reached the US Open quarter-finals?
Mirra Andreeva reached the women’s quarter-finals after recovering to defeat Anastasia Potapova. Zheng Qinwen also advanced by beating Iga Swiatek.
