In a stunning coronation at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Elena Rybakina conquered her New York demons on Saturday, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win her first US Open title and seize the WTA world No. 1 ranking.
The high-stakes clash—only the third US Open women’s final matching the world’s top two players since 2000—marked a career milestone for the 27-year-old representing Kazakhstan. Having already locked up the top spot in the rankings by reaching the semifinals, Rybakina added an exclamation point by ending Sabalenka’s dominant 19-match winning streak in Flushing Meadows.
“It’s still so difficult to process what happened,” an understated Rybakina said after the match. “Too many achievements these few weeks.”
A Hard-Court Rivalry Renewed:
The victory secures Rybakina’s third career Grand Slam title and her second of the season, following her Australian Open triumph earlier this year. Both majors were secured in hard-court battles against Sabalenka.
Despite struggling with her first-serve percentage, Rybakina’s clinical return game applied constant pressure, converting three of her 12 break-point chances. Her signature effortless power ultimately neutralised Sabalenka’s high-intensity baseline assault.
“Her serve is amazing, the way she’s able to step in and overpower you on court… It’s definitely a huge advantage for her,” Sabalenka conceded.
Heartbreak for the Defending Champ:
Sabalenka, bidding to become the first player to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams (2012–14), cut a frustrated figure on court. The Belarusian smashed her racket following the post-match net handshake, taking home $2.8 million as runner-up.
For Rybakina, the record $5.5 million winner’s check caps a remarkable bounce-back from a foot injury that forced her to retire from her quarterfinal match in Cincinnati just weeks prior. With her maiden title in New York, the 2022 Wimbledon champion now sits just one Roland Garros trophy away from completing a career Grand Slam.
