Muchova Upsets Rybakina in Brisbane Quarters

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic upset third-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International on Friday, advancing to the semifinals at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Australia.

The world No. 20 Muchova, returning strongly after wrist surgery in 2024 that sidelined her for much of the year, dominated the opening set against the fifth-ranked Rybakina, who entered the match on a 13-match winning streak dating back to October 2025. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and recent WTA Finals winner, faltered early with 16 unforced errors and three double faults, losing her serve twice as Muchova seized control. Muchova had forced Rybakina to save two break points in the first game, setting an aggressive tone that carried her through the 34-minute set.

Rybakina regrouped in the second set, capitalizing on a medical timeout Muchova took for her left ankle before play resumed. The eight-minute break allowed the Kazakh player to break Muchova's serve and build a 3-1 lead. An unforced error from Muchova on her own serve leveled the match, sending it to a decisive third set after 64 minutes. In the final frame, Muchova held firm,...