Queens, NY—-Naomi Osaka’s hopes of adding another U.S. Open title to her resume came to an end Monday as Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance in the Round of 16.
The two-time U.S. Open champion, who lifted trophies in New York in 2018 and 2020, struggled to find answers against the tournament’s second seed. Rybakina needed just 66 minutes to secure a 6-1, 6-4 victory and advance to her first career U.S. Open quarterfinal, where she will face China’s Qinwen Zheng.
Despite the defeat, Osaka remained composed afterward and said she was not overwhelmed by disappointment.
“Honestly, I’m not disappointed,” Osaka said. “It’s a very strange feeling. Maybe I’m just getting older, but I don’t really feel sad.”
Rybakina entered the match in outstanding form and continued her dominant run through the tournament, still without dropping a set. The Australian Open champion controlled play from the baseline, dictated points with her powerful groundstrokes and repeatedly forced Osaka out of position. She finished with 29 winners, compared with just nine from Osaka, and faced only one break point all afternoon.
The victory marked another milestone for Rybakina, whose previous best showing in New York had been a Round of 16 appearance. With the level she has displayed through four matches, the Kazakh star has positioned herself as one of the leading contenders for the title.
Osaka’s challenge was made more difficult by an Achilles injury that had already required treatment during her third-round match. The issue lingered throughout Monday’s contest and affected her ability to push off and serve at full strength.
“I can’t really push off like I want,” Osaka said. “When I land, it hurts a little. I was trying to figure out ways to minimize it. I thought if I served a little slower, the impact when I land would be less.”
Osaka revealed she underwent ultrasound examinations on the injury Sunday and again after Monday’s match, and planned to have an MRI after the discomfort intensified earlier in the day.
The injury was evident during critical moments. Osaka double-faulted twice at 2-1 in the opening set, allowing Rybakina to seize control. From there, Osaka failed to win another game in a first set that lasted only 22 minutes.
The second set remained competitive until 3-3, when four consecutive missed serves from Osaka handed Rybakina another opportunity. The world No. 2 quickly capitalized, taking command before the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium could mount a late rally behind the fan favorite.
Even in defeat, Osaka maintained perspective.
“I felt like I played the best I could given the situation, and the crowd was really, really into it,” she said. “It was fun. It was unfortunate, obviously, but life goes on.”
For Osaka, the 2026 U.S. Open ended earlier than hoped. For Rybakina, the pursuit of a second Grand Slam title continues with growing momentum.
