In a stunning quarterfinal upset at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was solidly defeated by No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina, 6-1, 6-4. The loss sends the Belarussian star home earlier than expected, while Rybakina advances to a high-stakes semifinal against Iga Swiatek.

Rybakina’s Dominant Rising Display

Elena Rybakina remained composed and tactically brilliant throughout the match. Her serve was dominant, with 11 aces, five break points saved, and 81% of first-serve points won. Riding on this firepower, she dominated proceedings from the start and delivered a statement victory.

Rybakina makes her first WTA 1000 semifinal appearance in Cincinnati, her 11th overall, and gains significant momentum as the tournament approaches its final rounds.

Sabalenka’s Off Day

Sabalenka found the match frustrating. She won only 54.5% of first-serve points, struggled to convert her five break-point opportunities, and was unable to break Rybakina. The disparity in serving and return effectiveness demonstrated why the defending champion could not maintain momentum.

A Reign Stifled and a Rival Rising

Sabalenka entered Cincinnati as the top seed and reigning champion, hoping to defend her title on a hard court where she has previously had success.

Meanwhile, Rybakina’s victory over Sabalenka continues a season-long trend in which she is now one of only a few players to defeat a current World No. 1, this being her seventh such victory in her career and fifth against Sabalenka alone.

What Lies Ahead: Rybakina vs. Swiatek

Iga Swiatek, Rybakina’s top-tier rival, will face her in the semifinals after defeating Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets. Their upcoming match promises an exciting clash of styles: Swiatek’s strategic brilliance versus Rybakina’s power game.

What It All Means

Rybakina’s Momentum: Her serve-led demolition of Sabalenka solidifies her position as a rising star on the WTA Tour.

A Big-Stage Test: The upcoming match against Swiatek is more than just another match; it’s a high-stakes battle between two Grand Slam champions with opposing styles.

Sabalenka’s Struggles Continued: Despite a strong 2025 season that included several brilliant runs, the Cincinnati quarterfinal loss highlights the difficulties she still faces against in-form opponents.

Rybakina’s win at the Lindner Family Tennis Center made a statement. Her combination of power, serve precision, and composure now sets the stage for an intriguing fade-out. If her current form holds, a spot in the Cincinnati final could be within reach.

The Big Picture

Rybakina’s powerful serve and unwavering concentration got her through a high-pressure situation.

Sabalenka’s early exit serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift at the highest levels.

Her defeat opens the door for other contenders ahead of the US Open.

Final Thoughts

Elena Rybakina’s victory not only marks a career milestone, but also alters the tournament narrative. Meanwhile, Sabalenka will reflect on what went wrong as she prepares for the final Grand Slam of the year. The semifinal against Iga Swiatek is one of the season’s most anticipated matches.