Elena Rybakina has ascended to the pinnacle of women’s tennis, capturing her maiden US Open title with a hard-fought victory over Aryna Sabalenka. The win, secured by a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 scoreline, not only adds a prestigious Grand Slam trophy to her collection but also solidifies her position as the world’s number one ranked player, effective Monday. Regardless of the final’s outcome, Rybakina, 27, was already assured of overtaking Sabalenka in the WTA rankings. However, clinching the championship at Flushing Meadows undoubtedly adds a glorious sheen to this significant career milestone.

Rybakina’s Dominance at Flushing Meadows

The championship match saw Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, face off against the formidable two-time defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka had been aiming to etch her name in history as only the third woman in the Open era, alongside legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams, to achieve a ‘three-peat’ at the New York Grand Slam. Instead, the final moments of the match were marked by Sabalenka’s visible frustration, including smashing her racket, as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam singles title.

Reflecting on her triumph, Rybakina expressed her elation and disbelief. “I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful, nothing close to that and it’s just incredible,” she shared. “I’m falling in love with New York more and more. It’s amazing memories for me.” Her calm and composed demeanor on court contrasted sharply with Sabalenka’s more outwardly emotional style.

A Tense Final Unfolds

The opening set saw Rybakina gain an early advantage, capitalizing on an uncharacteristic double-fault from Sabalenka to secure the only break of the set. However, the match’s momentum shifted dramatically in the second set. With Sabalenka facing a crucial service game at 4-5, she produced a stunning, full-stretch backhand winner down the line to earn two set points. Rybakina managed to fend off the first, but a subsequent unforced error at a critical juncture gave Sabalenka a third opportunity. This time, she seized it, punishing a second serve to level the match.

The second set’s conclusion appeared to swing the advantage firmly in Sabalenka’s favor. Yet, the third set began with Sabalenka needing to save a break point early on. Rybakina then held her serve to love, signaling her intent to regain control. A spectacular return winner, followed by a missed volley from Sabalenka, led to an early break for Rybakina in the deciding set. The tension mounted as Sabalenka let out a cry of anguish when a subsequent volley sailed long, gifting Rybakina a second, decisive break to establish a commanding 5-2 lead.

Clinching the Championship

Serving for the championship, Rybakina experienced a moment of nerves, double-faulting twice, including on championship point. However, she ultimately sealed her victory with a powerful ace, clinching the US Open title and a winner’s check of $5.5 million (approximately £4.1 million), a record payout for a Grand Slam tournament.

Sabalenka’s Disappointment and Sportsmanship

A visibly emotional Sabalenka, 28, addressed the crowd with grace despite her disappointment. “The last thing I want to do now is give a speech, but I’ll try my best,” she began. “Obviously I’m disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year and an incredible result. Enjoy it.” She added, “I wish I could perform a little bit better, but I guess next year.”

Explaining her on-court outburst, Sabalenka elaborated on the immense pressure of a Grand Slam final. “It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the grand slam and when you were trying to go for ‘three-peat’,” she stated. “So I just wanted to let it go, because if I held it inside, right now or here or there on the court, I wouldn’t be able to say a word or I would just be not really nice.” Her candid admission highlighted the emotional toll of competing at the highest level.

Looking Ahead

Rybakina’s victory at the US Open marks a significant moment in her career, confirming her status as a dominant force in tennis and achieving the world number one ranking. For Sabalenka, the loss is a setback in her quest for further Grand Slam glory, but her resilience and sportsmanship in defeat suggest she will remain a top contender in future tournaments. The rivalry between these two powerful athletes promises further compelling encounters on the court.