Elena Rybakina made an impressive comeback after losing the first set to defeat Naomi Osaka with scores of 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, securing her place in the semifinals of the Canadian Open.
Osaka took an early lead in the match, breaking Rybakina’s serve in the opening game of the first set. Although Rybakina had a chance to break back immediately, Osaka managed to fend off three break points, maintaining her advantage. Rybakina struggled to create further break opportunities, allowing Osaka to clinch the first set 6-4.
In the second set, Rybakina regained her rhythm. Despite being broken in two of her initial three service games, the Australian Open champion fought back, earning two breaks of her own and ultimately winning the tiebreaker, which forced a decisive third set.
The pivotal moment in the final set occurred when Rybakina was serving at 3-2 and faced triple break point. The 27-year-old showcased her resilience by saving all four break points, which shifted the momentum in her favor.
As the match progressed, Osaka appeared to lose her composure, visibly frustrated after being broken to fall behind 4-3. Rybakina concluded the match with flair, delivering three aces to secure her victory and advance to the semifinals.
In her post-match interview, Rybakina expressed her determination, stating, “I was just trying to fight. The first game of the match 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. And yeah, just fight, and I’m super happy that I won this match.”
Looking ahead, Rybakina’s next challenge will be against Coco Gauff, a player she has faced only once before, during their encounter in Toronto in 2022.