World number two Elena Rybakina overcame a tough challenge from Yuliia Starodubtseva to secure her place in the US Open fourth round. The hard-hitting Kazakh avenged her French Open defeat to the unseeded Ukrainian, winning 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. This victory keeps Rybakina's hopes alive of supplanting Aryna Sabalenka atop the world rankings.
Rybakina, who claimed her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year, struggled initially against Starodubtseva. The Ukrainian broke for a 5-4 lead in the first set, capitalizing on Rybakina's struggles with her forehand. However, Rybakina steadied herself, breaking back with an angled drop shot to level the set.
In the tiebreaker, Rybakina saved a set point with one of her 12 aces, securing the first set. She carried this momentum into the second, where a double fault from Starodubtseva handed her an early break. Rybakina maintained her edge to win the match in just under two hours.
"It was a tough match," Rybakina said. "I feel like it wasn't my best performance, but Yuliia she's a great player. Last time we had a battle, too, and I'm glad I could win in straight sets." With this win, Rybakina is now just two victories away from reaching the semi-finals, which would assure her of supplanting Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings, even if Sabalenka wins a third straight US Open title.
Rybakina's next opponent will be four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who defeated Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. "Not there yet," Rybakina said about the world No. 1 ranking. "It's still very far. I need to focus on my next match and not think about it."
Rybakina's journey to the top continues as she faces Osaka, a player with a storied history in Grand Slam tournaments. This match-up promises to be an exciting encounter, with both players showcasing their skills and determination. For Rybakina, each match brings her closer to her ultimate goal of becoming the world No. 1.
