Rybakina Stuns Osaka with Comeback Victory
The world No. 2 trailed 6-4, 4-2 in the WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Toronto and was two points from elimination at 5-5 in the second-set tiebreak. She ultimately triumphed 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.
The world No. 2 trailed 6-4, 4-2 in the WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Toronto and was two points from elimination at 5-5 in the second-set tiebreak. She ultimately triumphed 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.
Elena Rybakina, the world No. 2, advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto after a dramatic comeback against former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka. The Kazakhstani won 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in their first career meeting, despite being just two points away from defeat.
The Japanese player opened the match brilliantly, taking a 6-4, 4-2 lead and looking close to a major win. In the second-set tiebreak at 5-5, she was two points from reaching the semifinals, but Rybakina won those crucial points and forced a deciding third set.
In the third set, Rybakina secured a key break in the seventh game and never looked back, clinching her spot among the final four.
In the other quarterfinal, Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, advanced to the semifinals without hitting a ball. Her opponent, Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Rybakina will face Gauff in the semifinals, while the other semifinal will feature Poland's Iga Swiatek against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.
