Preview: Elena Rybakina vs Zheng Qinwen prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head – US Open 2026
Qinwen Zheng beat Iga Swiatek to book her sixth meeting with Elena Rybakina
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina produced arguably the most commanding and flawless performance of the 2026 US Open, taking down 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan with brute power and precision. She produced an incredible masterclass, serving her way through to a first-ever US Open quarter-final.
Rybakina’s backhand winners, in particular, left the crowd stunned as she handed Osaka a one-sided thrashing in front of a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium. After this win, Rybakina has quickly positioned herself as the leading title contender.
It has been quite a campaign for the second seed, as nearly a week ago, her participation in the competition was uncertain. She now prepares to face Chinese qualifier and Paris Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, who has herself been one of the most inspiring stories of this season.
Match Details
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
- Tournament: US Open 2026
- Round: Quarter-Final
- Date: September 9
- Venue: New York, United States of America
- Surface: Hard
RELATED: Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from player-led prize money protest; here’s why
Preview
Zheng entered the US Open as a qualifier, ranked outside the top 100 in the WTA rankings. The Chinese has spent weeks away from tennis due to injury, and since her return, she has been unable to hit the ground running, resulting in defeats and a drop in ranking points.
She qualified for the main draw after a tough win over Russia’s Elena Pridankina. Following her victory, she was visibly emotional, indicating how much competing in New York meant to her. After a couple of tough opening rounds that went the distance, Zheng’s run at Flushing Meadows looked to be nearing its end as she found herself down 0- 5 to Madison Keys.
What followed was a stunning comeback, and Zheng repeated her heroics against six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek of Poland. After four three-set battles, beating the Pole in straight sets shows the Chinese star is truly back to her best.
Rybakina’s performances this week have proved she is back to her physical best, setting the stage for an unmissable duel.
The pair have met five times before, with Rybakina holding the edge with four wins, including two this year in Doha and Madrid. Three of their previous battles have gone the distance, which could be a sign of what is in store on September 9.
Form
- Elena Rybakina: W-W-W-W-L
- Qinwen Zheng: W-W-W-W-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 5
- Elena Rybakina: 4
- Qinwen Zheng: 1
Stats
Elena Rybakina
- Rybakina has a 46-13 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Rybakina has a 9-6 win-loss record at the US Open.
- Rybakina has won 71% of matches played on hard courts.
Qinwen Zheng
- Zheng has a 15-13 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Zheng has a 14-3 win-loss record at the US Open.
- Zheng has won 64% of matches played on hard courts.
RELATED: US Open 2026 – Stefanos Tsitsipas’ exit ends long-standing ‘unique’ Grand Slam streak
Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Rybakina -303, Zheng +240
- Spread: Rybakina -3.5 (-122), Zheng +3.5 (+103)
- Total Games: Over 22.5 (-110), Under 22.5 (-125)
- First Set Winner: Rybakina -225, Zheng +162
Match Prediction
Both players are heavy hitters and have been in outstanding form. Zheng has spent considerable time on court, while Rybakina is yet to drop a set. The Kazakh starts as the clear favourite, especially with her towering serve that almost rules out another 0-5 comeback for Zheng against the second seed.
Expect Rybakina to hit the ground running and put Zheng under pressure from the outset. If Zheng struggles to find her rhythm early, she may not have enough time to turn things around. On recent form, it’s hard to bet against Rybakina.
Only a dramatic dip on first serve or inconsistency on the forehand can stop Rybakina, who is otherwise on course to reach the US Open semi-finals and secure the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.
Result: Elena Rybakina to win in straight sets.
RELATED: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka light up US Open with funny ‘hair’ exchange
Where and how to watch the live telecast and streaming of Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng quarter-final match at US Open 2026?
The QF match between Rybakina and Zheng will stream live for Indian viewers on Jio Hotstar. ESPN will broadcast the event live in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports takes over broadcasting duties.
Where is Elena Rybakina seeded for the US Open 2026?
Elena Rybakina is seeded second at the US Open 2026.
Where is Qinwen Zheng ranked in WTA Singles?
Qinwen Zheng is ranked 121st in the WTA Singles Rankings.
How to watch Elena Rybakina vs Qinwen Zheng quarter-final match at US Open 2026 in India?
The quarterfinal between Rybakina and Zheng will be streamed live for viewers in India on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram