US Open 2026: Elena Rybakina ends Naomi Osaka's fashion week

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Elena Rybakina swept past Naomi Osaka at the US Open on Monday, moving within a single victory of capturing the top spot in women’s tennis.

To claim the world No. 1 ranking, the second seed must overcome Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals, a difficult task given the Chinese star’s remarkable recent ability to fight back from difficult situations.

Rybakina dispatched Osaka 6-1, 6-4 in a highly anticipated clash of former Grand Slam winners. Should Rybakina advance to the semifinals in Flushing Meadows, she will officially overtake Aryna Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA rankings.

“Of course I want it, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t wish this, but definitely that’s one of my goals. I try to approach it the same way, try to do everything I can, fight until the end of my next match and let’s see what’s going to happen.” Rybakina said.

Standing in her path is Zheng, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, who pulled off another stunning comeback after falling behind 5-0 in the opening set. Zheng knocked out eighth seed Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-3, becoming the first qualifier to make the US Open quarterfinals since Emma Raducanu’s fairytale title run in 2021.

Just two days prior, Zheng trailed 5-0 in the deciding set before storming back to defeat 22nd seed Madison Keys 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5. Facing 2022 champion Swiatek, she dropped the first five games before mounting her second consecutive comeback.

“I guess to come back from 0-5 yesterday is not lucky; that’s all I can say,” Zheng said.

Rybakina eyes WTA top spot after beating Naomi Osaka

Rybakina, who won the Australian Open earlier this year to claim her second major title, currently holds a career-high ranking of No. 2. Even with a loss on Wednesday, she could still move to No. 1 if Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula all fail to win the tournament. However, a quarterfinal win will seal the number one spot for Rybakina.

Against Osaka, a two-time US Open winner, Rybakina produced a dominant display. She wrapped up the victory in just 66 minutes with an ace, continuing her quest for her second Grand Slam title this year.

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