Aryna Sabalenka Beaten by Elena Rybakina in Cincinnati Last Eight

Aryna Sabalenka’s Cincinnati campaign came to an abrupt halt as Elena Rybakina once again proved why she’s one of the most dangerous players on tour. In a high-octane quarterfinal clash that had fans glued to every rally, Rybakina outpowered and outmaneuvered the Belarusian star to book her place in the semifinals.

The match was billed as a heavyweight battle between two of the WTA’s biggest hitters, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the very first game, both players exchanged ferocious groundstrokes that echoed across the court. Sabalenka, who has been in strong form throughout the summer swing, looked ready to impose her trademark aggression. But Rybakina had other plans—absorbing the pace, redirecting shots with surgical precision, and seizing every opportunity to dictate play.

What really tipped the balance was Rybakina’s composure under pressure. While Sabalenka piled up errors in the tightest moments, Rybakina stayed ice-cool, serving her way out of trouble and producing clutch winners when it mattered most. Her ability to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm with deep returns and lightning-quick transitions proved decisive, especially in the closing stages.

For Sabalenka, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially as she continues her hunt for consistency ahead of the US Open. The world No. 2 has enjoyed plenty of big wins this season, but defeats like this underline the fine margins separating her from the other elite players.

As for Rybakina, this victory cements her status as one of the toughest matchups for Sabalenka on hard courts. Their budding rivalry has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines in women’s tennis, and Cincinnati just added another thrilling chapter. With her power, poise, and growing confidence, Rybakina isn’t just chasing titles—she’s sending a clear message: underestimate her at your own risk.

Sabalenka may be out of Cincinnati, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that she rarely stays down for long. With New York looming, both she and Rybakina will be names to watch as the battle for hard-court supremacy heats up.