Elena Rybakina arrived in New York and claimed both the top spot in the women’s tennis rankings and the U.S. Open title from Aryna Sabalenka. This marked a significant shift for Rybakina, who had struggled in previous editions of the tournament. She secured her first U.S. Open victory by defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a thrilling final.
Having already secured the No. 1 ranking for the upcoming week, Rybakina added the U.S. Open trophy to her list of accomplishments, previously held by Sabalenka for two consecutive years. Reflecting on her success, Rybakina expressed her disbelief at the series of achievements she had attained in recent weeks.
This victory marked Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her second of the year, both achieved by defeating Sabalenka on hard courts. Notably, Rybakina halted Sabalenka’s 19-game winning streak at the U.S. Open, dating back to her loss against Coco Gauff in the 2023 final.
Rybakina’s triumph at the U.S. Open came with a record-breaking prize of $5.5 million, the largest in Grand Slam history. This win also tied her with Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for the most titles on the tour this season, standing at three each.
In contrast, Sabalenka, who was eyeing a third consecutive U.S. Open title, settled for $2.8 million as the runner-up. Despite her sizeable prize, Sabalenka’s disappointment was evident as she smashed her racket following the match.
Rybakina’s strategic gameplay, despite struggling with her serve, proved effective in overpowering Sabalenka and securing the championship. This final marked the first time the challenger emerged victorious in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup at the U.S. Open women’s final in recent years.
With this win, Rybakina is on a path to completing a career Grand Slam, having previously clinched titles at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Her dominant playstyle and ability to absorb her opponent’s strengths were key factors in her victory over Sabalenka.
Sabalenka, known for her powerful strokes, faced challenges throughout the match as Rybakina’s composed demeanor and precise gameplay kept her on the defensive. Despite her previous victories over Rybakina, Sabalenka’s form dipped after their initial encounters earlier in the season.
Rybakina’s newfound success at the U.S. Open highlighted her growing affection for the tournament and the city of New York. In contrast, Sabalenka’s frustration was palpable as she struggled to maintain her composure during the final match.
As Rybakina celebrated her remarkable triumph, Sabalenka reflected on her missed opportunities and the uncharacteristic errors that cost her the championship. The final verdict showcased Rybakina’s resilience and tactical prowess, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of women’s tennis.