Elena Rybakina arrived in New York and claimed the titles once held by Aryna Sabalenka. First, she secured the No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis, followed by winning the U.S. Open. Known for her prior struggles at the tournament, Rybakina celebrated her victory over Sabalenka, defeating her 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Saturday to clinch her first U.S. Open title.
Rybakina, who had already guaranteed her position at the top of the rankings, took the title from Sabalenka, who had won it the previous two years. In her post-match remarks, Rybakina expressed surprise at her triumph, especially while coping with a minor injury. Yet, her performance aligned in her favor.
This win marked Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her second of the year, both achieved against Sabalenka on hard courts. Earlier, she defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open, where Sabalenka hadn’t lost since Coco Gauff beat her in the 2023 final.
Rybakina earned $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, tying with Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva for a tour-high three titles this season. Sabalenka earned $2.8 million but showed frustration by breaking her racket after the match.
Sabalenka aimed to match Serena Williams’ achievement of three consecutive U.S. Open victories at Flushing Meadows from 2012 to 2014. “I was competing, trying my best today,” Sabalenka stated, acknowledging it wasn’t enough.
Rybakina dethroned Sabalenka despite challenges with her serve. Her strong return game overwhelmed Sabalenka, converting 3 out of 12 break opportunities, enough to secure victory. The match was the third time a U.S. Open women’s final featured No. 1 against No. 2 since 2000, with challengers claiming victory this time.
Sabalenka has held the top ranking for 99 weeks, but Rybakina accrued enough points to surpass her by reaching the semifinals. Born in Russia, Rybakina represents Kazakhstan and now seeks a French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam. Her power on the court disturbed Sabalenka, who praised her serve and court presence.
Sabalenka plays with intense energy, similar to a golfer swinging for distance. Rybakina’s power appears effortless, with minimal visible stress, earning praise from Coco Gauff for her calm demeanor.
Despite a missed opportunity early in the third set, Rybakina took control. Sabalenka had triumphed in their other encounters this season, but her form declined afterward with early exits at Wimbledon and subsequent tournaments. Rybakina recovered from a foot injury and performed with newfound success in New York.
Her previous attempts at the U.S. Open rarely progressed past early rounds, making her recent victory a cherished accomplishment. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s prior success at Arthur Ashe Stadium seemed far from position during this final.
Sabalenka showed frustration, questioning her coaches after a double fault cost her the first set. She fought hard in the second set, securing critical points to force a decider. However, Rybakina’s consistent performance proved too much, securing her significant victory in New York.
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