Keys beats Rybakina, first into Western & Southern Open semi-finals
Madison Keys defeats Elena Rybakina in straight sets on Friday in Cincinnati. Keys is through to the semi-finals and awaits either Petra Kvitova or Ajla Tomljanovic.
Madison Keys, Cincinnati 2022 Image Credit: AI / Reuters / Panoramic
Madison Keys advanced to the semi-finals of the Western & Southern Open by defeating Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-4 at the Linder Tennis Family Center in Cincinnati on Friday night. Keys, who upset world No 1 Iga Swiatek in the round of 16, prevailed over Rybakina in one hour and 31 minutes.
The very first game of the match was a turning point, as it lasted eight deuces with Rybakina serving. Keys generated four break points before finally converting.
“I think that first break was really important,” the American said. (I was) just trying to get out in front right away. It was super important and helped me a lot.
T”hen in that second set, breaking back immediately I think really just kind of helped keep my momentum and not let her get too far ahead of me. I feel like when she’s playing on her front foot and dictating, things can go very quickly, so I was doing whatever I could just to get her off of the baseline and as uncomfortable as possible.”
The 24th-ranked American awaits either Petra Kvitova or qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic.
Cincinnati WTA 1000, other quarter-final matches
- Jessica Pegula vs. Caroline Garcia
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Shuai Zhang
- Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Petra Kvitova
People in this post
More tennis news
Metz Open: Bonzi through to last four
Alcaraz v Zverev: Head-to-head, stats, quotes: Everything you need to know about their rivalry – updated ahead of 2024 ATP Finals
Medvedev v Sinner: Head-to-head, stats, everything you need to know – updated ahead of 2024 ATP Finals
Krejcikova seals semi-final spot in Riyadh, Swiatek out
Cali Open: Smith into semi-finals