Elena Rybakina defeated Mayar Sherif 6-1 6-4 to reach the last 16 at the Madrid Open in their match on Sunday.
The Kazakh player had beaten Lucia Bronzetti in her previous match, while Sherif had impressed with a win over world No. 25 Marta Kostyuk.
Rybakina has already earned three titles this year as she guns for the No. 1 spot with Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek above her in the rankings.
Rybakina appeared determined and thoroughly outclassed her opponent as she raced to bagel the first set and tee up a routine victory ahead of the last 16, but Sherif secured a single game in the first set before losing it 6-1.
The second set was much closer but Rybakina had already broken Sherif as she moved 4-3 ahead with her serve still to follow.
The world No. 4 moved a game from victory as she held her nerve, with the pressure on Sherif not to be broken.
The Egyptian served successfully but was unable to break back and lost the second set 6-4.
Speaking on court after her win, Rybakina explained she was optimistic about the rest of the year, if she kept up her form and fitness.
She said: “If I continue like this, it’ll be great. I’ll try to do my best and stay consistent, most importantly healthy. So far I’m playing really well. I just want to keep on going.”