NEW YORK — Elena Rybakina swept aside two-time champion Naomi Osaka to reach the US Open quarter-finals and close in on becoming world number one.
Rybakina delivered a commanding performance against the former champion to secure her place in the last eight at Flushing Meadows, ending Osaka's run at the year's final Grand Slam. The victory keeps Rybakina on track in her pursuit of the top ranking, with the Kazakh star continuing her strong form in New York.
The matchup pitted Rybakina's powerful serve and baseline game against Osaka, who has twice lifted the title in New York and remains one of the most accomplished hard-court players on tour. Rybakina controlled the contest to deny Osaka another deep run at her most successful major.
The result moves Rybakina into the quarter-finals where she will continue her campaign for a first US Open title and a potential rise to world number one. Osaka, meanwhile, exits after showing encouraging form during her return to Grand Slam competition at Flushing Meadows.