Rybakina comeback knocks Osaka out of Canadian Open

Elena Rybakina completed a stunning comeback at the Canadian Open, defeating Naomi Osaka in their quarter-final thriller after trailing by a set and a break. The Kazakhstani champion recovered from a precarious position to secure victory in three sets, demonstrating the resilience that has propelled her to a career-high ranking. This victory marks a significant moment for Rybakina, who has been steadily climbing the WTA rankings throughout 2024 and now advances deeper into one of tennis's most prestigious hardcourt tournaments held annually in Toronto and Montreal.

Osaka entered the match as a three-time Grand Slam champion seeking to reclaim her form after returning from maternity leave earlier this year. The Japanese star had captured back-to-back US Open titles in 2018 and 2020 before winning the Australian Open in 2021, establishing herself as one of the sport's elite competitors. However, Rybakina's aggressive baseline play and powerful serve ultimately proved too much to contain, as the 23-year-old world number seven turned the match around in the final two sets. The Canadian Open represents crucial ranking points for both players as the season approaches its final Grand Slam at the US Open.

Rybakina's progression to the semi-finals strengthens her credentials as a genuine title contender on hardcourts heading into the US Open, where she reached the semi-final stage in 2023. The victory against Osaka also extends her winning momentum through the North American swing, a critical stretch for building confidence on hard surfaces. With this triumph, Rybakina continues her upward trajectory after winning her first WTA 1000 title at the Miami Open earlier this year, cementing her status as one of the tour's most formidable rising forces in the hardcourt season.