Rybakina's Comeback Seals Osaka's Exit from Canadian Open

Elena Rybakina staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming a deficit of one set and a break to defeat Naomi Osaka in a three-set thriller at the Canadian Open quarter-finals. The four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka, had secured the first set and was leading 4-2 in the second before her opponent from Kazakhstan rallied to win the match with scores of 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), and 6-4, in a contest lasting two hours and 33 minutes.

Rybakina expressed her determination, stating, "I was just trying to fight." Despite recording her highest number of unforced errors (72) in a match this season, she focused on staying competitive. "The first game was really tough because it cost me the set, and then in the second I was just trying to stay closer to the score, even if I'm losing. I'm super happy that I won this match," she added.

Osaka had initially seized control, breaking Rybakina in the opening game to claim the first set in Toronto. The second set seemed to be following a similar pattern, with Osaka even managing to regain a break of serve and leading 4-2 against the 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open champion. However, Rybakina responded by winning three consecutive games and ultimately clinching the tie-break to level the match.

In the deciding set, Osaka had an opportunity to break Rybakina's serve, holding four break points when leading 3-2. She was unable to capitalize, allowing Rybakina to hold her serve and then break her opponent in the subsequent game. Rybakina then confidently served out for the match, securing her victory with her 15th ace. She is now set to face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Osaka announced her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open, the final tournament before the US Open, citing "fatigue."

Gauff advanced to the semi-finals after her opponent, Belinda Bencic, withdrew due to a hip injury.

The other semi-final match will feature Iga Swiatek, who defeated Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1, and Elina Svitolina, who overcame Ekaterina Alexandrova with a score of 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.