Elena Rybakina Reaches Semifinals After Defeating Magda Linette

Strasbourg, France — Elena Rybakina continued her strong performance at the Internationaux de Strasbourg by defeating Magda Linette 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals on Thursday. This victory marks Rybakina’s third win over Linette in as many matches, advancing her to the semifinals for the third time in 2025.

Rybakina, seeded No. 4 in the tournament, showcased her skill by not dropping serve throughout the match. In just 1 hour and 40 minutes, she hit 29 winners, including seven aces, and won 82% of her first serve points. She faced two break points in the opening game but overcame them both with unreturned serves.

Linette also had a commendable performance, serving six aces and winning 70% of her first serve points. However, Rybakina capitalized on key moments, breaking Linette’s serve at crucial points in both sets.

Despite the win, Rybakina expressed some dissatisfaction with her efficiency on break points, converting only two of nine. “I had a lot of opportunities, couldn’t take it from the beginning,” she noted in her post-match interview. “But I’m pleased I got the win in straight sets.”

Rybakina will next face No. 9 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated No. 2 seed Emma Navarro after a grueling match that lasted over three hours, ending with a score of 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.

On the other half of the draw, No. 8 seed Liudmila Samsonova secured her spot in the semifinals by defeating No. 3 seed Paula Badosa 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Samsonova will play against 2024 finalist Danielle Collins, who advanced without playing after Anna Kalinskaya withdrew due to injury.

This semifinal round sets up an exciting finish to the tournament as top players battle for a spot in the final.