NEW YORK — In a high-stakes showdown between the world's top two ranked tennis players, Elena Rybakina emerged victorious, defeating Aryna Sabalenka to claim the US Open title. The 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win not only denied Sabalenka a historic three-peat but also solidified Rybakina’s position as the new world No. 1-ranked player.
Reflecting on her unexpected triumph during an on-court interview, Rybakina noted the personal challenges she faced leading up to the final. “It’s tough to find words right now, honestly,” she said. “I don’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament. I’ve been dealing with a little bit with an injury, but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, had been aiming to become the third woman in the Open Era to secure three or more consecutive US Open titles, a feat last accomplished by Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014. However, her performance was hindered by 35 unforced errors, with 14 occurring in the opening set alone. The match served as a rematch of the Australian Open final from January, which Rybakina also won. With this result, Rybakina now holds an 8-7 lead in their 15 hard-court encounters.
The match was marked by significant tension. In the first set, a double-fault from Sabalenka gifted Rybakina the fifth game, sparking an emotional outburst from the runner-up, who hit the ball into the stands. Throughout the match, Sabalenka appeared visibly frustrated, frequently talking to herself, dropping her racket, and gesturing toward her coaching box. Despite her struggles, Sabalenka nearly forced a shift in momentum in the second set, though she failed to capitalize on two break opportunities in the 10th game before eventually forcing a decider.
Rybakina, a 27-year-old born in Russia who represents Kazakhstan, dominated the final set, sprinting to a 4-1 lead. She secured the championship—and a $5.5 million prize—with an ace after Sabalenka failed to handle a return on match point. Sabalenka, who received $2.8 million for her performance, expressed her disappointment while looking toward the future. “I really felt like home here and cannot wait to come back next year,” she said. “I wish I could perform a little bit better but I guess next year.”
Having held the top ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, Sabalenka entered the event as the No. 1 seed. However, Rybakina’s quarterfinal win over Qinwen Zheng ensured her rise to the top of the rankings regardless of the final outcome at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
