In a gripping encounter at the WTA Toronto Masters, world number two Elena Rybakina showcased her resilience by coming from a set down to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. The match, which lasted for 2 hours and 33 minutes, ended with Rybakina winning 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, earning her a spot in the semi-finals where she will face fourth-ranked Coco Gauff.
Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion from Kazakhstan, displayed remarkable serving prowess throughout the match, firing off an impressive 13 aces. After the match, she expressed her relief and happiness at securing the victory, acknowledging the challenge posed by Osaka. "Super happy. It was a very difficult match," Rybakina stated. "In the first set, I made a few mistakes, a poor start. It was a really tough one but I’m glad I could turn it around; I don’t yet know how, but I think my serve helped me a little bit."
On the other side of the draw, Gauff advanced to the semi-finals without having to step on the court, as her opponent, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, withdrew due to a hip injury. Bencic expressed her disappointment in a statement, saying, "I’m really sorry to not be able to compete. I tried everything possible to be ready. Looking forward to being back in Toronto next time." Gauff, who has previously defeated Rybakina in their only encounter during the 2022 Toronto tournament, is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Rybakina, reflecting on her upcoming match against Gauff, noted the importance of maintaining energy and serving well. "She’s a fighter. I definitely need to bring my energy and serve well," she remarked, acknowledging the competitive nature of her upcoming opponent.
The other semi-final will feature Poland’s Iga Swiatek against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, promising an exciting day of tennis. Rybakina and Osaka’s match was particularly notable as it marked their first meeting on the professional tour, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.
Rybakina’s journey in Toronto has been impressive, especially considering her potential to ascend to the world number one ranking. If she secures the Toronto title, she would move within four ranking points of Aryna Sabalenka, who was eliminated in the last 16. Meanwhile, Osaka, currently ranked 13th in the world, continues to seek her form after a hiatus from competition, having not won a title since the 2021 Australian Open.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Rybakina as she aims to capitalize on her strong performance and potentially claim her first title of the season in Toronto.
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