Elena Rybakina defeated top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4 on Friday to knock the defending champion out in the quarter-finals of the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon winner, claimed a fifth victory in her 12-match personal rivalry with the world number one. The victory was revenge for a loss to Sabalenka on Berlin grass two months ago.

Rybakina will play in a semi-final against Iga Swiatek, who defeated Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-4.

Third-seeded reigning Wimbledon champion Swiatek dominated to break fresh ground at one of the only two 1000-level tournament where she has failed to reach a final

Rybakina was helped by 11 aces as she upset Sabalenka to achieve her first Cincinnati semi-final.

"I'm happy with the serve. It was the key today," Rybakina said. "I served

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