Qinwen Zheng vs Elena Rybakina Prediction U.S. Open - New York · Sep 9, 2026

Analysis

Both players arrive in New York in strong shape, but their routes have looked different. Rybakina has been ruthless, winning her last three matches 2-0 (over Starodubtseva, Bouzas Maneiro and Frodin) without dropping a set, which on a quick hard court is exactly the profile you want heading into a quarter-final. Zheng has also won her last three, but two of them went the distance (2-1 against Liutova and Pridankina) before a cleaner 2-0 over You, suggesting she has had to work harder for her wins. Stylistically this is a heavyweight baseline duel: Rybakina's flat, low-bouncing serve and first-strike forehand travel very well through the New York air, while Zheng counters with one of the biggest returns and forehands in the women's game. The edge goes to Rybakina on serve-hold reliability, but Zheng's power means one break of serve in either direction can flip a set. A tight two-setter for Rybakina is the single most likely outcome, with a decider a very live possibility.