Rybakina Set to Clash with Swiatek in Cincinnati Open Semi-Final

Elena Rybakina triumphed over the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, to secure her place in the Cincinnati Open semi-final. The match concluded with a score of 6-1, 6-4 at the P&G Center Court on Friday.

The ninth-seeded player from Kazakhstan delivered a compelling performance to earn her seventh victory against a top-ranked competitor. She is now slated to compete against Iga Swiatek, a six-time major champion, in the upcoming semi-finals.

Rybakina asserted dominance in the initial set, displaying her forceful baseline approach and accurate shots, ultimately securing a 6-1 lead.

Sabalenka responded in the second set, showcasing impressive shots in an attempt to pressure Rybakina.

Rybakina maintained her composure, holding her serve and concluding the set at 6-4, thereby securing a straight-sets victory.

Throughout the match, Rybakina recorded 11 aces, secured 81 percent of points on her initial serve, and defended against all five break points. This win marks her fifth against Sabalenka in their 12 encounters.

Rybakina attributed her success to her effective serving.

“I am pleased with my serve. It proved crucial. We both possess powerful hits, and I served exceptionally today. If Aryna serves well, the dynamic changes entirely. I hope to maintain this momentum,” Rybakina stated.

Earlier, Swiatek progressed to her first WTA 1000 semi-final in 15 months, defeating Anna Kalinskaya of Russia, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Swiatek mentioned that she concentrated on her personal gameplay and regulating the match’s intensity.

“It presented challenges, but I’m glad I remained consistent and exerted sufficient pressure,” she commented.