Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in Cincinnati, defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, to book her place in the next round. The Kazakhstani star showcased her trademark power and precision, dismantling one of the tour’s most formidable players in just over an hour of play.
From the very start, Rybakina stamped her authority on the match. Her serve was firing on all cylinders, and her groundstrokes consistently pushed Sabalenka behind the baseline. The first set was one-way traffic as Rybakina raced to a 6-1 lead, breaking Sabalenka twice while committing very few unforced errors herself. Her composure under pressure and ability to dictate rallies left the defending champion struggling for answers.
Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, tried to regroup in the second set. She raised her intensity and managed to hold serve more consistently, but Rybakina’s resilience proved unshakable. Every time Sabalenka hinted at a comeback, Rybakina responded with a clutch serve or a blistering forehand winner. At 4-4, Rybakina seized the decisive break, capitalizing on a pair of Sabalenka’s unforced errors. She then served out the match with confidence, sealing the win in commanding fashion.
This victory is particularly significant for Rybakina, as it not only eliminates the defending champion but also reinforces her status as one of the biggest threats on hard courts heading into the US Open. Her blend of power, consistency, and mental toughness has made her a nightmare matchup for top players.
For Sabalenka, the loss is a tough blow ahead of Flushing Meadows, though her solid
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