Elena Rybakina Beats Naomi Osaka to Close In on WTA No. 1 Ranking

Elena Rybakina swept aside Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 on September 7, 2026, at the US Open, advancing to the quarterfinals and moving just one win away from claiming the world number one ranking in women’s tennis.

The second-seeded player delivered a clinical performance on Louis Armstrong Stadium, needing just 66 minutes to dismiss the four-time Grand Slam champion in a near flawless performance. Osaka, who was wearing athletic tape on her left ankle, struggled with pain and movement throughout the contest, ultimately falling short against a relentless opponent who outplayed her in nearly every category.

A Dominant Opening Set and Osaka’s Physical Struggles

From the first ball, Rybakina dictated the baseline rallies and neutralized Osaka’s power. She captured the opening set in just 21 minutes, opening up a double break and conceding only four points on her own serve in a near flawless performance. Osaka found greater resistance in her service games during the second set, but her physical limitations proved costly as the match wore on. The two-time US Open champion appeared to tweak a leg or foot problem during play while wearing athletic tape on her left ankle.

Photo: Devdiscourse

Rybakina broke through at 3-3 in the second set after a pair of double faults from Osaka led to a crucial service break. Though Osaka fought off two match points and reached deuce while Rybakina served for the contest, the Kazakhstani player closed out the match cleanly in the following game with her seventh ace to seal the straight-sets victory.

The Chase for the WTA No. 1 Ranking

For Rybakina, the straight-sets win is more than just a trip to the Flushing Meadows quarterfinals—it puts the top ranking directly within her grasp. Trailing Aryna Sabalenka in the world rankings, Rybakina is guaranteed to replace the top spot if she reaches the semifinals in a matchup of power-hitting Grand Slam champions.

Elene Rybakina celebrates beating Naomi Osaka at the US Open — Photo: BBC

Awaiting Quarterfinal Clash Against Zheng Qinwen

Standing between Rybakina and the world number one ranking is Zheng Qinwen. The Chinese star advanced to the quarterfinals by staging an epic comeback against No. 8 seed Iga Świątek, winning 7-5, 6-3 after dropping the first five games of the match to complete an astonishing victory. Zheng became the first qualifier to reach the final eight in New York since Emma Raducanu won the title in 2021.

Reflecting on her career trajectory and the six-year gap since her last major title at the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka offered a pragmatic perspective on her future in the sport during her post-match press conference.

“I thought about it, and if I win another Grand Slam, it’s not going to change my life. That’s kind of crazy that I can say that, because I remember the first Slam that I won, it was, like, a huge whirlwind.”

Naomi Osaka, via BBC

She noted that while the initial success was overwhelming, her current perspective on achieving further major titles has evolved into a more grounded and pragmatic approach to the game.