World number two Elena Rybakina has praised Naomi Osaka after overcoming the former US Open champion in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Canadian Open.
Rybakina battled past Osaka 4–6, 7–6, 6–4 to reach the semi-finals, where she will face Coco Gauff on Thursday, August 13.
Gauff advanced after Belinda Bencic withdrew from their quarter-final match.
Speaking after her win, Rybakina highlighted the difficulty of beating Osaka and praised her opponent for making the match a tough contest.
“This first game of the match was really tough because it cost me the set. In the second I was just trying to stay closer to the score, even if I’m losing.”
“It’s rare when you don’t play some players for so many years you’re on tour. She’s a great champion. She’s a fighter. I knew it would be a tough match.”
