Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina produced a commanding performance on Friday, knocking out defending champion Aryna Sabalenka with a 6-1, 6-4 victory to advance to her first Cincinnati Open semi-final. The ninth seed played in spectacular fashion, serving 11 aces and taking 81% of points on her first serve, saving all five break points she faced.
The win is Rybakina’s seventh career victory over a World No. 1 and her fifth out of 12 against Sabalenka. She now prepares to take on a blockbuster semi-final against Iga Swiatek, which will be a clash between two Wimbledon champions.
Swiatek Battles Past Kalinskaya for First WTA 1000 Semi in Over a Year
Third-seeded Iga Swiatek reached a WTA 1000 semi-final for the first time in 15 months. She defeated Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. Kalinskaya saved four match points but Swiatek remained calm and cashed in on her fifth chance to seal victory.
The victory is a form of redemption for the Pole star, who had fallen to Kalinskaya in their single prior encounter.
Kudermetova Rolls into Semis, Targets Gauff or Paolini Next
Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova appeared in great shape as she cruised past compatriot Varvara Gracheva with a 6-1, 6-2 win. It’s her first Cincinnati semi-final and first WTA 1000 semi since 2023, which is evidence of getting back to the level of form she had previously that saw her inside the Top 10.
Kudermetova will play the winner of second seed Coco Gauff’s battle against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Alcaraz Defeats Rublev To Win Masters 1000 Streak
Carlos Alcaraz went past Andrey Rublev in the men’s draw, ultimately claiming victory in a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 outcome. Though he trembled in the final set with 15 unforced errors and three double faults, the Spanish sensation took advantage of a Rublev double fault on match point to wrap up the victory.
Alcaraz, who has won 15 consecutive Masters 1000 matches, earned his 12th career Masters semi-final, tying top seed Jannik Sinner’s record. Sinner clash against France’s Terence Atmane in the other men’s semi-final.
