Elena Rybakina has reached the Canadian Open semifinals after producing an unbelievable comeback to beat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in Toronto.
Osaka was in management after taking the primary set and shifting 4-2 forward within the second. Rybakina, nevertheless, refused to let the match slip away and fought again to drive a deciding set.
The Kazakh then discovered herself in deep trouble once more at 2-3 within the third, going through 0-40 on her serve. She saved all 4 break factors earlier than finally turning the match round and shutting out the victory.
After the match, Rybakina defined that she was merely making an attempt to remain within the combat fairly than fear concerning the rating.
“This primary recreation of the match was actually robust as a result of it value me the set. Within the second I used to be simply making an attempt to remain nearer to the rating, even when I’m shedding. Simply combat. I’m tremendous completely happy I received this match.”
Rybakina additionally knew she was going through a troublesome opponent in Osaka, who has received 4 Grand Slam titles and was taking part in good tennis all through the match.
“She’s a terrific champion. She’s a fighter. I knew it might be a troublesome match.”
The Kazakh stated Osaka’s heavy ball and robust serve made the competition notably demanding.
“Her ball is coming fairly heavy. She will serve rather well. The serve was actually vital in the present day. I’m glad it went my method.”
The victory units up a semifinal towards Coco Gauff.
Their solely earlier assembly was in Toronto in 2022, when Gauff received a three-set battle. Now, 4 years later, they are going to meet once more on the similar event.
Rybakina can also be having an excellent season on onerous courts. Her victory over Osaka takes her report to 25-5 on the floor in 2026. It’s also her third WTA 1000 semifinal of the yr.
Requested concerning the rating after her win, she laughed earlier than making her place clear:
“No, you guys are asking me on a regular basis. Solely whenever you ask, I’ve to consider it.”
Rybakina desires to maintain her consideration on the matches in entrance of her.
“I’m simply staying within the current, making an attempt to focus a match at a time. Not wanting on the rating, not following.”
Her aim is:
“For me it’s simply vital to go match by match and hopefully win titles.”
Now, one other large take a look at awaits.
Rybakina vs Gauff in Toronto.
