Elena Rybakina produced a ruthless display to dethrone two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 and win her first US Open title on Saturday.
The victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium earned the Russian-born Kazakh her third Grand Slam crown. It also confirmed her rise to world number one.
Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows. She also denied the Belarusian a chance to win three straight US Open titles.
Only Serena Williams and Chris Evert have achieved that feat.
Rybakina overcomes injury concerns
Rybakina’s campaign had been under threat before the tournament due to an ankle injury. However, the 27-year-old put those concerns aside to claim another major title.
She added the US Open crown to her Australian Open victory earlier this year and her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.
“It’s tough to find words … I didn’t expect anything like this coming into the tournament,” said Rybakina.
The victory also made her only the third woman this century to win both hardcourt majors in the same year after Sabalenka and Angelique Kerber.
“I’ve been dealing a bit with an injury. Somehow, everything aligned together on my side. Aryna … it’s so difficult to play against you. You push me to the limit.
“I want to say thank you to the beautiful spectators for such a beautiful atmosphere. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
Sabalenka fights back
Rybakina made a strong start with powerful groundstrokes, but Sabalenka held firm behind her serve.
The second seed moved 3-2 ahead after a Sabalenka double fault. The frustrated defending champion then received a code violation for hitting a ball into the stands.
“It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the Grand Slam and when you’re trying to go for the ‘three-peat’ so I wanted to let it go,” Sabalenka said.
“If I had held it inside, I wouldn’t be able to say a word.”
Rybakina stayed calm and secured the opening set. Sabalenka responded in the second after Rybakina’s level dropped.
A delicate drop shot and a backhand crosscourt winner helped Sabalenka force a deciding set.
Rybakina seals famous victory
Sabalenka began the third set with renewed aggression. But Rybakina soon regained control.
She took a 5-2 lead before closing out a famous victory to leave Sabalenka without a Grand Slam title in 2026.
“It’s going to be different to wake up the next morning knowing you’ve won the U.S. Open and achieved the world number one ranking,” Rybakina said.
“It’s a relief, because you do all the routines for the past two to three weeks. It’s a lot of work, a lot of nerves also.”
Sabalenka, who also lost to Rybakina in this year’s Australian Open final, was emotional after the defeat.
“I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena. I wish I could perform a bit better, but I guess next year.”
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