Iga Swiatek Sets Up Blockbuster Cincinnati Semifinal Clash with Elena Rybakina

Iga Swiatek outclassed Anna Kalinskaya to book her place in a third Cincinnati Open semifinal, where she will face Elena Rybakina — who stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.

For the past 176 consecutive weeks, either Swiatek or Sabalenka has held the No. 1 spot in the PIF WTA Rankings. Since Ashleigh Barty’s retirement in 2022, the two stars have dominated women’s tennis, winning eight of the last 14 Grand Slams. Many expected another high-stakes semifinal between them in Cincinnati, but Rybakina tore up the script with a ruthless 6-1, 6-4 victory over Sabalenka.

Earlier in the day, Swiatek powered past Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-4, marking her first win against the Russian and continuing her fine form ahead of the US Open.

Swiatek Eyes First Cincinnati Final

Swiatek now leads their head-to-head against Rybakina 5-4, though the Kazakh star has beaten her four times — including en route to her WTA 1000 titles at Indian Wells and Rome in 2022. Crucially, Swiatek has won all three of their 2024 meetings (United Cup, Doha, Roland Garros), giving her a psychological edge.

The World No. 3 has never reached the Cincinnati final but looks determined this year. A win would mark her first WTA 1000 final in 15 months, while also sealing her spot in the WTA Finals for a fifth consecutive season.

Against Kalinskaya, Swiatek’s serve and backhand proved decisive, with the Pole dropping just 19 games across three matches in the tournament so far.

Rybakina Sends Warning After Sabalenka Shock

If Swiatek represents consistency, Elena Rybakina represents danger. The World No. 9 has already produced seven career wins over World No. 1 players, including four against Swiatek and three against Sabalenka. No other player has managed that in the last five years.

Her victory over Sabalenka was her sharpest performance of the summer, firing 11 aces, only one double fault, and saving all five break points she faced. When it mattered most, she delivered thunderous serves — denying Sabalenka with back-to-back aces on crucial points.

Now 10-2 on hard courts this summer, Rybakina is peaking at the right time. Two years ago, she lifted her only two WTA 1000 titles — and both times she beat Swiatek on her way.

Semifinal Showdown: Swiatek vs Rybakina

With contrasting styles and a heated head-to-head, Saturday’s semifinal promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. Swiatek is chasing her first Cincinnati crown, while Rybakina is looking for another big scalp to confirm her status as one of the most dangerous players on tour.

If Rybakina serves with the same rhythm she showed against Sabalenka, Swiatek will face her toughest test yet. But the Polish star, fresh from her Wimbledon breakthrough, looks hungry for momentum heading into the US Open 2025.