The match against Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, showcased Rybakina’s clinical form. The victory was punctuated by an ace on match point, a fitting finish for a player who currently leads the WTA Tour in that category. Reflecting on the prospect of reaching the top spot, Rybakina acknowledged the significance of the milestone while maintaining her focus on the immediate challenge ahead. She noted that while becoming world No. 1 is a clear career goal, her primary objective remains fighting through each match as it comes.
Zheng Qinwen continues resilient run to quarterfinals
Standing between Rybakina and a potential semifinal berth is Zheng Qinwen, who produced another display of remarkable resilience. The 2024 Olympic gold medalist overcame a daunting 5-0 deficit in the opening set to defeat No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3. This comeback mirrors her previous round, where she rallied from a 5-0 third-set hole to stun Madison Keys. By reaching the final eight, Zheng has become the first qualifier to achieve this feat at Flushing Meadows since Emma Raducanu in 2021.
For Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, the loss marked a difficult exit despite entering the match with a strong 7-1 head-to-head record against her opponent. Although Swiatek received medical attention for a left thigh issue during the second set, she attributed the defeat to unforced errors rather than physical limitations. She admitted that her intensity faltered as Zheng began to minimize her own mistakes and dictate the pace of the rallies.
Zheng’s journey to the quarterfinals is particularly notable given her path through the qualifying rounds following a drop in ranking due to elbow surgery. Having previously reached the Australian Open final and the US Open quarterfinals in 2023, the Chinese star continues to demonstrate her ability to perform under pressure. As the tournament progresses, Rybakina remains in a strong position to claim the top ranking, though she faces a formidable opponent in the in-form Zheng.
