Rybakina reaches US Open last 16, inches closer to No. 1

New York - World number two Elena Rybakina advanced to the US Open's last 16 by defeating unseeded Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 on Saturday. This win avenges Rybakina's loss to Starodubtseva in the second round of the French Open earlier this year. During the match, Starodubtseva capitalized on Rybakina's struggles with her forehand, breaking the Kazakh's serve for a 5-4 lead.

However, Rybakina found her rhythm, breaking back with an angled drop shot and saving a set point to level the set. She then took control in the tiebreaker with one of her 12 aces and broke Starodubtseva's serve at the start of the second set, ultimately winning in just under two hours.

Rybakina acknowledged the match was tough and not her best performance, but she praised Starodubtseva's skill. She noted last time they played, they had a similar battle, and winning in straight sets was gratifying. Rybakina now requires two more victories to reach the semi-finals and secure the top spot in the world rankings, assuming Aryna Sabalenka clinches her third consecutive US Open title.

For Rybakina, the next challenge is against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who defeated Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.