Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Saturday in New York to win her first US Open title and will become the new world number one in women’s tennis. The victory marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title of her career, following wins at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year. Sabalenka had hoped to secure a third consecutive US Open title but lost both the match and her top ranking.
Rybakina was described as the more composed player throughout the match, despite a shaky start with her first serve. She executed a strong returning game that frustrated Sabalenka, and after losing a tight second set, regained control in the third. Sabalenka’s performance was marked by loose shots and negativity, while Rybakina’s deep returns pinned her opponent to the baseline. Rybakina secured the championship with an ace after initially faulting on her first championship point.
The BBC noted Rybakina rarely shows emotion, but briefly smiled after clinching the victory, illustrating her satisfaction with a win few predicted, given her previous lack of success at the US Open and questions about her fitness coming into the tournament. ESPN reported this is Rybakina’s second major victory of the year. The Telegraph highlighted Sabalenka smashing her racket after the match, demonstrating her frustration. Rybakina, 27, stated, “I was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
The contrasting personalities of Rybakina and Sabalenka have been noted as a key element of their rivalry, with Rybakina’s composure often contrasting with Sabalenka’s more volatile nature.
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