Canadian Open: Rybakina steady and sharp, on course for another semi-final

Leading comfortably (6-1, 2-1), Elena Rybakina saw her opponent Marta Kostyuk call it quits during the night session in Montreal on Monday. The retirement sends the Kazakh into the semi-finals of the Canadian WTA 1000 event for the second time in her career after 2023 – and marks her tenth semi-final at WTA 1000 level.

Much like the rest of her run this week, Rybakina left little margin for her opponent. Up against a physically struggling but spirited Marta Kostyuk, the ninth seed dictated proceedings from the very start. Dominant on serve and relentless in baseline exchanges, the world No.12 quickly built a commanding lead and never loosened her grip. She had just broken serve again early in the second set when the Ukrainian retired.

Back in rhythm on hard courts

By reaching another semi-final, Rybakina continues her strong summer form, backing up her run in Washington last week. It’s an encouraging sign with the US Open fast approaching – especially as this North American swing has historically been less fruitful for her. A former champion at Wimbledon (2022), Indian Wells and Rome (2023), Rybakina is proving once again that she’s a real force in the sport’s biggest events.

With 32 wins already this season – most of them against players outside the Top 15 – the Kazakh remains one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent performers. Her path to the Montreal semis has been solid: wins over Dayana Yastremska (5-7, 6-2, 7-5), Jaqueline Cristian (6-0, 7-6 [5]) and Hailey Baptiste (6-4, 6-3), followed by Monday’s unfinished match.

A wide-open draw

With top names like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff all out of the draw, Rybakina now stands as the heavy favourite in Montreal. Her record against players outside the Top 10 makes her particularly dangerous in this setting.

Her next opponent, whether it be rising home hope Victoria Mboko or Spain’s Bouzas Maneiro, will be playing their first career WTA 1000 semi-final – a stark contrast to Rybakina’s experience and pedigree. A maiden final in Canada is now within reach.

As for Marta Kostyuk, she leaves the tournament with mixed feelings. Wins over McCartney Kessler, Daria Kasatkina and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova marked her best WTA 1000 result of the season, but physical issues brought her impressive run to an unfortunate end.

Montreal WTA 1000, other quarter-finals results (IGA Stadium, hard, USD 5.152.599, most recent results first):

• Elina Svitolina vs. Naomi Osaka
• Madison Keys vs. Clara Tauson
• Victoria Mboko vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro