Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals of the US Open on September 7, 2026, by decisively defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka with a 6-1, 6-4 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The result keeps the Kazakh second seed on course to claim the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.
Rybakina will ascend to the top of the rankings if she wins her quarter-final match in New York, regardless of whether top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka successfully defends her title. According to , this marks Rybakina's first appearance in a US Open quarter-final, making the tournament the only major where she had not previously reached that stage.
Her opponent in the quarter-finals will be China's Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion, who produced a remarkable comeback to eliminate former champion Iga Swiatek. Zheng recovered from 5-0 down in the opening set to secure a 7-5, 6-3 victory, continuing a pattern of dramatic comebacks at the tournament after a similar recovery against Madison Keys two days earlier.
How did Rybakina dominate Osaka?
Rybakina delivered a near-flawless serving display, dropping only four points on her serve throughout the match. The 27-year-old had entered the contest undefeated through three opening rounds and immediately seized control against Osaka, who reported experiencing leg pain after the match.
The Australian Open champion opened a double break in the first set and closed it in just 21 minutes, establishing complete dominance. Although Osaka mounted slightly greater resistance early in the second set, she squandered her only break point opportunity of the entire match. Rybakina then broke to lead 4-3 and comfortably secured the remaining games, with Osaka unable to cope with the depth and power of her opponent's groundstrokes.
Rybakina completed the victory in 66 minutes, striking seven aces and 29 winners compared to Osaka's nine. According to CBS Sports, the win moved Rybakina into the quarter-finals and maintained her position to pursue the world No. 1 ranking.
What did Rybakina say about the ranking?
When asked about her pursuit of the top ranking, Rybakina expressed her desire to achieve the milestone.
Of course I want it, I don't know anyone who won't want this,she said.
I tried to approach it the same way and do everything I can, and fight to the end of my next match. If I serve as well as I did today, I think I can do well. Let's hope it goes my way.
What is Zheng's path to the quarter-finals?
Zheng's stunning recovery against Swiatek showcased her resilience and fighting spirit. Trailing 5-0 in the first set, the Chinese player clawed back to win that set 7-5 before taking the second 6-3. According to ESPN, Zheng became the fourth women's qualifier in the Open era to reach the US Open quarter-finals and surpassed Li Na for the most quarter-final appearances by a Chinese player at this major, with three total.
What did Osaka reflect on after the loss?
Osaka, now 28 years old, offered perspective on her Grand Slam drought, which has extended nearly six years since her 2021 Australian Open victory.
I thought about it, and if I win another Grand Slam, it's not going to change my life. That's kind of crazy that I can say that, because I remember the first Slam that I won, it was, like, a huge whirlwind.She attributed some of her performance issues to physical discomfort during the match.
What happens next?
Rybakina will face Zheng in the US Open quarter-finals on Wednesday, September 11, 2026, following the completion of fourth-round matches. A victory for Rybakina would secure her first world No. 1 ranking and advance her toward a potential semi-final appearance at the tournament where she had never previously reached the last eight.
Key Facts:
- Rybakina defeated Osaka 6-1, 6-4 to reach her first US Open quarter-final
- The Kazakh player will become world No. 1 if she wins her next match, regardless of Sabalenka's result
- Zheng overcame a 5-0 first-set deficit to beat Swiatek 7-5, 6-3 in the fourth round
- Rybakina struck 29 winners and seven aces while dropping only four points on serve
- Zheng is the fourth women's qualifier in the Open era to reach the US Open quarter-finals
