Elena Rybakina Wins U.S. Open, Becoming World No. 1

Elena Rybakina traveled to New York and captured both the No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis and the prestigious U.S. Open trophy. Previously, Aryna Sabalenka held these titles. Rybakina’s former struggles at the tournament transformed into a triumph as she secured her first U.S. Open title. She defeated Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a hard-fought match.

Rybakina, who will soon officially replace Sabalenka as the No. 1 player, added to her accolades by winning this significant title. This victory marked her third Grand Slam title and her second in the year, with both wins over Sabalenka on hard courts. Earlier, she had bested Sabalenka in the Australian Open.

She put an end to Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open, a streak that began after her loss to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final. Rybakina earned a record $5.5 million, the biggest prize in Grand Slam history. She now shares a tour-high of three titles this season with Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva, the French Open winner.

Despite a $2.8 million prize, Sabalenka’s frustration was evident when she destroyed her racket after a brief embrace with Rybakina at the net. Sabalenka aimed to follow Serena Williams’ footsteps by winning three consecutive U.S. Open titles, a feat Williams achieved from 2012 to 2014. However, it was not her day.

Sabalenka admitted, “I was just out there competing, trying to do my best with what I had there today. Not good enough.”

Rybakina, although not at her peak performance, used her strong return game to maintain constant pressure on Sabalenka. She created 12 break opportunities and converted three, which proved sufficient. This match marked the third time the top two seeds clashed in a U.S. Open women’s final since 2000. Previous encounters saw Serena Williams defeating Venus Williams in 2002 and Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

The rankings will shift on Monday, with Rybakina elevating to the top spot after surpassing Sabalenka, who held it for 99 consecutive weeks. This 27-year-old, who represents Kazakhstan though born in Russia, celebrated her initial major win at Wimbledon in 2022. She now only needs a French Open win to complete her career Grand Slam.

Rybakina’s power left Sabalenka unsettled, particularly on the fast surfaces of the U.S. Open. Sabalenka acknowledged, “Her serve is amazing, the way she’s able to step in and overpower you on court.” Sabalenka, a Belarus native, brings high energy to her game, frequently grunting with her powerful swings.

Rybakina’s power seems more effortless. Her presence on the court remains calm, with no signs of stress. “I think Elena is probably — not nonchalant, I don’t want to say that, because she’s not nonchalant — but just no reaction ever,” Gauff noted after her semifinal loss to Rybakina.

Rybakina did display minor frustration after missing a break chance in the third set’s opening game. Yet she regained control of the match swiftly. Sabalenka had emerged victorious in their previous two encounters this season at Indian Wells and Miami, and she leads their overall rivalry 10-8.

Sabalenka’s performance took an unexpected turn after those victories. She suffered a defeat against Naomi Osaka in Wimbledon’s fourth round and made consecutive fourth-round exits in Toronto and Cincinnati. Rybakina, recovering from a foot injury that ended her Cincinnati quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek, returned strong for the U.S. Open.

Rybakina reflected, “I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years, and it was never successful — nothing close to that. It’s just incredible. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”

Arthur Ashe Stadium had been Sabalenka’s domain, with four finals appearances and six trips to the semifinals. Yet her past summer struggles resurfaced. She often looked toward her coaches for answers and showed more frustration with a double fault that allowed Rybakina to lead 3-2 in the first set. Rybakina’s return led to Sabalenka’s warning from the chair umpire after she hit the ball into the crowd.

Sabalenka eventually applied pressure on Rybakina in the second set. She earned break points for a potential set win, yet Rybakina saved the game with four consecutive points. Sabalenka succeeded in her next opportunity, winning the second set. However, Rybakina’s resilience ensured her overall victory.