TENNIS – Elena Rybakina delivered a devastating display to dethrone two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 win in the US Open final on Saturday, earning a third Grand Slam crown to accompany her ascent to world number one.
The Russian-born Kazakh’s icy composure on the grand stage helped her snap Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and denied the Belarusian the chance to emulate Serena Williams and Chris Evert with three straight New York titles.
An ankle injury had threatened to derail Rybakina’s campaign even before the tournament started, but the 27-year-old shrugged off those concerns to add the US Open title to her Australian Open triumph this year and Wimbledon success in 2022.
“It’s tough to find words ... I didn’t expect anything like this coming into the tournament,” said Rybakina, who became only the third woman this century to claim both hardcourt majors in the same year after Sabalenka and Angelique Kerber.
“I’ve been dealing a bit with an injury. Somehow, everything aligned together on my side. Aryna ... it’s so difficult to play against you. You push me to the limit.
“I want to say thank you to the beautiful spectators for such a beautiful atmosphere. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
The title showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium had all the ingredients of a classic between the top two in the rankings, and though Sabalenka brought late aggression, Rybakina was typically unruffled and prevailed to pocket the $5.5 million prize.
“It’s going to be different to wake up the next morning knowing you’ve won the US Open and achieved the world number one ranking,” said Rybakina.
&uuid=(email))