Down but never out: Elena Rybakina prevails over Naomi Osaka at National Bank Open

The National Bank Open finally delivered the match of the tournament when tennis titans Elena Rybakina and Naomi Osaka met for the first time in the quarterfinals.

Rybakina was down and out so many times in this match. Her forehand was spraying errors. Rybakina's first serve left her at times.

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Somehow she found a way to win against an in form Osaka who did very little wrong. Osaka was outplayed in two games late in the third set to seal the deal.

Rybakina getting into hardcourt form

The Australian Open champion is showing fans that winning the first Grand Slam of the 2026 was far from a fluke.

She is finding her form just in time for the US Open.

Aug 11, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Elena Rybakina (KAZ) shakes hands after defeating Naomi Osaka (JPN) during quarter final play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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A year ago, Rybakina was outside the WTA Finals race, came on strong during the fall Asian hardcourt swing to qualify for the Top 8, and ultimately won the event.

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World No. 1 up for grabs?

Aryna Sabalenka's years long stronghold on the WTA World No. 1 ranking is loosening. Rybakina is within 800 points in the live rankings with 1000 points at stake in Toronto, 1000 points in Cincinnati, and 2000 points at the US Open.

After her win over Osaka, Rybakina was asked about the World No. 1 ranking. She admitted that she is not thinking about it and is staying in the present, focusing on her matches.

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Rybakina will face a rested Coco Gauff, who got a walkover from an injured Belinda Bencic, on Wednesday night in the semifinals. Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek will play the other semifinal.

On the men's side, Ben Shelton beat Jakub Menšík. Learner Tien eased past Daniel Merida Aguilar. Rafael Jodar beat Arthur Fils and Brandon Nakashima won over Luciano Dardieri.

Jodar will take on Nakashima in the first semifinal match before Shelton faces Tien.

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