New York: Elena Rybakina has claimed her first US Open title after defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final at Flushing Meadows.
The Kazakhstan player, who had already secured confirmation that she would become the new world number one regardless of the final result, produced a composed performance to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
The victory marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title, adding to her Wimbledon triumph in 2022 and Australian Open victory earlier this year. She also became the first Kazakh player to reach the top of the women’s world rankings.
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Sabalenka entered the final hoping to complete a historic hat-trick of consecutive US Open titles while delaying Rybakina’s rise to number one. However, the Belarusian struggled to maintain consistency during a tense encounter.
Rybakina’s calm approach proved decisive as the match developed. While her usually powerful first serve was not at its best in the opening set, she compensated with aggressive returning that repeatedly put Sabalenka under pressure.
Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set as Rybakina’s level dipped slightly. She stepped up her groundstrokes and broke Rybakina in the 12th game to force a deciding set. However, the momentum shifted back to Rybakina in the third. Her deep returns kept Sabalenka pinned behind the baseline, and an early break gave her a 2-1 lead. From there, Rybakina maintained control as Sabalenka’s unforced errors and frustration returned.
The new world number one briefly showed signs of nerves when she double-faulted on her first championship point. She quickly recovered, however, delivering a powerful ace to seal the victory and complete a landmark night in New York.
Rybakina’s latest Grand Slam success firmly establishes her as the leading force in women’s tennis, while her victory over Sabalenka adds another chapter to one of the sport’s most compelling modern rivalries.
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