Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko are on a high-powered Australian Open quarter-final collision course, each trying to shed the tag of one-slam wonders.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina turned the participant to look at at Melbourne Park after ousting world No.1 Iga Swiatek within the fourth spherical in two tight units 6-4 6-4.
Latvia’s Ostapenko, who gained the French Open in 2017, was equally ruthless in her 7-5 6-3 upset victory over world No.7 Coco Gauff.
Both boasting large serves and booming groundstrokes, Kazakh Rybakina says she’s going to should be at her most aggressive to cease world No.17 Ostapenko.
“She hits really hard, and she plays aggressive like me,” Rybakina stated.
“So for sure I need to be really focused on my serve because today on one side I was struggling a bit.
“It’s not simple if my weapon isn’t going.”
Rybakina is seeded 22 but didn’t receive any ranking points for last year’s grass court triumph after the playing tours withheld points following the All England Club’s ban on entries from Russia and Belarus.
The 23-year-old feels she is capable of reaching the top ranking.
“For me I believe it is nonetheless many issues to enhance,” she stated.
“If I carry out like I did this week and it will be persistently for positive, I’ll say that I could be No. 1, I can beat anybody.
“For now I need to find my consistency.”
Ostapenko leads Rybakina 2-0 in earlier conferences, successful their most up-to-date conflict within the semi-finals of the 2021 Eastbourne International.
The 25-year-old is within the quarter-finals at a slam for the primary time since her 2018 Wimbledon semi-final look whereas her earlier greatest in Melbourne is the third spherical.
Ostakpenko feels comfy about taking up Rybakina.
“With the good players I think I have nothing to lose, and I’ll just enjoy it as much as possible,” she stated.
“It’s great to be in the quarter-finals and if I play my game, I think I have all the chances.
“Of course, it will be a tough match in opposition to Elena, however we performed a few occasions, and I understand how to play in opposition to her.
“I’m just going to try to focus more on myself and on my game, and hopefully I can bring the good and aggressive game again.”
The winner will play both third-seeded American Jessica Pegula, the highest-ranked girl left within the draw, or two-time champion Victoria Azarenka in Thursday’s semi-finals.
