Two-time US Open champ Naomi Osaka’s push for a legendary third title? It’s over. She fell to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round on Monday, and man, it was a tough one to swallow. Osaka went down in straight sets, 6-1 and 6-4. Barely a contest, and for a player who’s owned this tournament before, it just feels brutal. That dream of adding another trophy to her case in Flushing Meadows this year is officially crushed.
The Struggle Continues: What’s Happening with Naomi?
It’s been a rollercoaster of a 2026 season for Osaka, and this Monday match against Rybakina feels like another drop on a pretty bumpy ride. Remember that three-set slugfest against Elise Mertens in the third round on Saturday evening? Osaka eventually pulled out 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. She fought hard, but even that felt like she was on the ropes. Last year, she made it all the way to the semifinals, a big run, but in 2026, it’s just not clicking. She hasn’t been able to make it past the quarterfinals of *any* major tournament this entire year. Think about it: she missed the Australian Open completely because of an abdominal injury, then hit the fourth round at the French Open, and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. And now, this early exit from the US Open. It’s a gut punch for sure, especially when you consider this officially marks her fifth consecutive year without winning a major title. Five years! For a player who was so dominant, taking home the US Open crown in both 2018 and 2020, you just have to wonder what’s gotta change.
Rybakina’s Power Play and the Quarterfinal Showdown
But let’s give credit where it’s due. Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 seed and the reigning Australian Open champion, played an absolutely clinical match. She was locked in, totally dominant, and honestly, she looked unstoppable out there. This win means she’s made it to the US Open quarterfinals for the very first time in her career. That’s a huge milestone for the 27-year-old, who already boasts major titles from both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She’s collecting hardware, and she’s looking like a serious contender to add another major to her impressive resume.
So, who does Rybakina face next? Get ready, because she’s set to go head-to-head with Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. And Zheng? She’s coming off her own massive win on Monday, pulling off a seriously impressive upset. She took down the No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek, 7-5, 6-3, in another fourth-round stunner. The draw is absolutely heating up, and Rybakina looks ready for whatever comes next. Can she keep this momentum rolling? That’s what we’ll all be watching for on Wednesday. For Osaka, it’s a bitter pill, walking away from a tournament where she’s had so much glory, and the questions about her return to major championship form just keep getting louder.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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