Rybakina tops Osaka, sets US Open quarter-final clash with Zheng

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina advanced to the US Open quarter-finals after defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4. The win secures Rybakina's place in the US Open's last eight for the first time in her career. Rybakina, who won the Australian Open title this year, will face China's Zheng Qinwen in their quarter-final clash, a match carrying extra significance.

A potential semi-final appearance for Rybakina would see her surpassing current world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina expressed her ambition, stating, "Of course I want it. I don't know anyone who wouldn't wish this." She admitted to Osaka's left Achilles tendon injury, which affected her serve and led to unforced errors throughout the match.

Despite the setback, Rybakina remained focused, noting, "I try to approach the same, fight to the end my next match." She praised her support team and doctor, concluding, "I can't say all the matches were amazing, but of course, today was one of the best matches I played."