Rybakina takes down Ostapenko in a battle of former Grand Slam champions

Elena Rybakina showed that she is a serious candidate to win Australian Open after eliminating Jelena Ostapenko at the Quarter Finals

In the previous round, both players "surprised" by beating the candidates Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. Even though it isn’t an absolute surprise that two former-Grand Slam champions have advanced to the quarterfinals in the first major of the year.

At the first set, the Kazakh began with an early break. But when she was 3-1, rain interrupted the service game of Ostapenko at 30-40. Once the roof was closed and the court dried, the match resumed and the 23-year-old quickly earned his second break. The Kazakh undoubtedly has one of the best services on the tour, and Ostapenko just couldn’t control it, and the set was for Rybakina by 6-2

The Latvian was more aggressive with her forehand at the second set, but it wasn’t enough to beat the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who remained calm in difficult moments and save a few break points. At 2-2 Rybakina took advantage of her rival’s mistakes and got another break to lead 3-2. From there, the 17th seed had no response to the consistency of the Kazakh on her serve. Ostapenko also had several unforced errorrs, and finally was beaten in straight set, with a final score of 6-2, 6-4.

Looking for a place in the final of the Australian Open, Elena Rybakina will have to challenge the winner between the world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and the 2-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.