Cincinnati Open 2025: World’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka upset by Elena Rybakina in straight units
It has been a busy 12 months for ladies’s No. 1 tennis participant Aryna Sabalenka. She’s made deep runs in each grand slam occasion thus far, reaching the ultimate within the Australian Open and French Open and attending to the semifinal spherical at Wimbledon.
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Sabalenka has completed loads of profitable this 12 months, however particular person titles have been robust to attain. Sadly for Sabalenka, that was additionally the case on the 2025 Cincinnati Open. Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals on the occasion earlier than she was eradicated by Elena Rybakina on Friday in straight units.
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Sabalenka could not appear to search out her stride within the match, particularly early. Rybakina took full benefit, leaping out to a 6-1 win within the first set. Sabalenka confirmed extra combat within the second set, however could not overcome Rybakina’s early momentum. Rybakina took the second set 6-4, profitable the match.
Rybakina’s serve proved to be lethal all through the match. She racked up 11 aces in opposition to the world’s No. 1. Sabalenka could not match that complete, ending the match with 4 aces. Rybakina’s dominant serve led to an 80.6 p.c win share on first serve factors received, which performed a serious function in her victory.
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It marks the fifth time in her profession Rybakina has picked up a win over Sabalenka. The 2 have met 12 complete instances over their careers. Whereas Sabalenka held the benefit early, going 4-0 of their first 4 matches, Rybakina has grow to be a thorn within the facet of the No. 1 girls’s participant. Over their final eight matches, Rybakina has a 5-3 report in opposition to Sabalenka.
With the win, Rybakina will advance to the semifinals, the place she’ll tackle Iga Swiatek. Rybakina has fared fairly effectively in opposition to Swiatek of their matches. The 2 have performed 9 instances, and whereas Swiatek holds the benefit, she’s solely up 5-4 within the head-to-head.
Rybakina will look to even the collection when the 2 meet for the tenth time Sunday.