Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka (world No. 13) has compared the playing styles of Elena Rybakina (WTA No. 2) and Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1). According to the Japanese tennis player, both opponents possess powerful shots, but they apply pressure on their rivals in different ways... reports the website infohub.kz.
"It's weird. I think players can be divided by power. For example, she (Rybakina - ed. note) hits very fast, while Sabalenka hits very heavy. Both are very powerful, but in different ways. Obviously, both are very good," she was quoted as saying by Punto de Break.
The Japanese player specifically noted Rybakina's serve. According to her, after their previous meeting in Toronto, she tried to return more aggressively because Rybakina quickly seizes the initiative with her next shot.
"I don't think I returned poorly today. She placed her serves very well. Since Toronto, I've tried to attack her first serve a bit more because with her style, she immediately sends your return to the other side of the court. I tried to take the initiative, but obviously, she's one of the best servers in the world," Osaka said after losing to Rybakina in the fourth round of the 2026 US Open.
Rybakina and Sabalenka currently occupy the top two spots in the WTA rankings. The Belarusian remains world No. 1, while the Kazakhstani is No. 2. However, the situation could change after the US Open: Rybakina only needs to reach the semifinals to top the world rankings for the first time in her career, regardless of Sabalenka's result.
To achieve this, the Kazakhstani must defeat Zheng Qinwen (No. 121) in the quarterfinals. Rybakina has reached this stage without dropping a single set.
Sabalenka is also still in contention for the title in New York. In the quarterfinals, the current world No. 1 will face Wimbledon 2026 champion Linda Noskova (No. 6).