Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng Prediction 9/9/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Elena Rybakina will face Chinese qualifier Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals of the US Open on Wednesday, September 9. Here’s our Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng prediction. This preview will include an Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng pick.

Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng Preview

Elena Rybakina easily beat Naomi Osaka to reach her first US Open quarterfinal. The match took 17 games to decide. Rybakina dominated the opening set, which she won 6-1 in 22 minutes against an ailing Osaka. The Japanese star slightly improved in the second set, but it was too late, as Rybakina delivered the knockout blow in the seventh game by breaking Osaka’s serve, before sealing victory in the 10th game with a love hold.

In the victory, Rybakina hit 29 winners and 17 unforced errors. Rybakina hit 7 aces and 1 double fault. She landed 61% of first serves in play and won 87% of first serve points (27/31). Rybakina won 50% of second serve points (10/20) and only faced one break point in the match. Rybakina will overtake Aryna Sabalenka as the official women’s No. 1 if she wins her quarterfinal match against Qinwen Zheng.

Qinwen Zheng extended her extraordinary run at the US Open by beating 2022 champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets. For the second match in a row, Zheng battled back from a 0-5 deficit to win the set, doing so in the first set against Swiatek, and winning it 7-5 in 59 minutes. The Chinese star broke Swiatek’s serve twice towards the end of the second set to seal a massive win that guarantees her spot in the quarterfinal of the US Open for the third time.

In the victory, Zheng fired 20 winners and committed 17 unforced errors. Zheng tallied 3 aces and 2 double faults. Zheng landed 41% of first serves in play and won 83% of first serve points (20/24). She won 53% of second serve points (18/34) and saved 5 of 7 break points in the match. Zheng began the tournament from qualifying and has now beaten two Grand Slam champions in the main draw. Can he add a third to the list by knocking out Rybakina? 

Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng Head-To-Head

Rybakina and Zheng have played five times. Rybakina leads the head-to-head 4-1 and has beaten Zheng twice this season, although both matches went the full distance.

Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng Prediction

Rybakina is now one win away from becoming the new women’s No.1 and she has reached the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slams. Qinwen Zheng has turned a corner after a difficult season, and this US Open has reminded us of her explosive ability at the top level. This is the most dangerous version of Zheng since that Olympic win. But Rybakina is playing at a different level right now. The Kazakh hasn’t dropped a set, just demolished Osaka in about an hour. Expect the soon-to-be World No. 1 to end Zheng’s fairytale run.

Nur Said's Pick: Rybakina in straight sets