World number one Elena Rybakina bounced back from a second-set setback to defeat Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa on Friday and secure her place in the semi-finals of the Ningbo Open.

The top seed and defending champion made a dominant start, comfortably taking the opening set before the world number 128 fought back to force a decider. However, Rybakina regained control in the third set to seal a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 victory.

The Kazakhstan representative, who was born in Moscow, will now face Russian sixth seed Diana Shnaider in the semi-finals of the tournament in eastern China.

Shnaider booked her place in the last four after overcoming American fourth seed Iva Jovic in a three-set battle. In the other semi-final, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez will take on Czech player Marie Bouzkova.

Rybakina, 27, has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the US Open in September to claim her third Grand Slam title. Her triumph in New York also saw her overtake Aryna Sabalenka to become the world number one.

However, the Kazakh star subsequently suffered a disappointing second-round exit at the China Open in Beijing earlier this month before withdrawing from the Wuhan Open, citing a foot injury.

She will now look to maintain her momentum in Ningbo as she continues her bid to defend her title and strengthen her position at the top of women’s tennis.