CINCINNATI – Elena Rybakina delivered a dominant performance to dethrone defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4 on Friday, securing her spot in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals for the first time. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz overcame a second-set stumble to defeat Andrey Rublev and continue his title charge.
The ninth-seeded Kazakh put on a serving masterclass, firing 11 aces and winning 81% of her first-serve points while saving all five break points she faced. The victory marked her fifth win in 12 meetings against Sabalenka and her seventh career triumph over a world No. 1.
“I’m happy with the serve—it was the key today,” said Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. “We’re both big hitters, but I served really well. If Aryna serves well, it’s a different match. Hopefully, I can keep this level.”
Next up, she faces Iga Świątek in a high-stakes semi-final clash between two reigning Wimbledon champions.
The Polish world No. 3 advanced to her first WTA 1000 semi-final in 15 months with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anna Kalinskaya. Despite Kalinskaya saving four match points, Świątek stayed composed to seal victory on her fifth opportunity.
“I just played my game—it wasn’t easy, but I’m happy I stayed solid and kept the pressure on,” Świątek said.
Elsewhere, Veronika Kudermetova breezed past Varvara Gracheva 6-1, 6-2, reaching her first Cincinnati semi-final and showing signs of her former top-10 form. She will face Jasmine Paolini, who staged a thrilling comeback to upset Coco Gauff 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
“I fought for every point, and it worked,” said Paolini, last year’s French Open and Wimbledon runner-up. “I’m really happy—thank you to the crowd for supporting me, even though we’re in the U.S. and Coco’s from here!”
In the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz survived a second-set lapse to defeat Andrey Rublev, keeping his title hopes alive. The Spanish star remains a strong contender as the tournament heads into its decisive stages.
With star-studded semi-finals lined up, the Cincinnati Open is set for a thrilling weekend of high-stakes tennis.
