Elena Rybakina showed why she is the best women’s player in the world by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first US Open title.
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina already knew she would be the new world number one after Saturday’s final regardless of the result, and she celebrated with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory over the player she will replace.
Rybakina was the more composed of the two throughout as she claimed the third Grand Slam title of her career, having triumphed at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year.
Sabalenka hoped to soften the blow of losing the top ranking by winning a third consecutive US Open title – but looked fraught in a tense performance.
Rybakina and Sabalenka have developed a strong rivalry built not only on their outstanding talent but their contrasting personalities.
And Rybakina’s ice-cool composure – the direct opposite of the Belarusian’s combustible nature – was a key difference as she took control at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina stayed calm in an opening set where her first serve let her down and, despite her biggest weapon not firing on all cylinders, was able to execute a devastating returning game which left Sabalenka frustrated.
Sabalenka’s groundstrokes improved as Rybakina’s level dropped slightly in a tighter second set, taking her third opportunity to force a decider when she swarmed over Rybakina’s second serve in the 12th game.
But the loose shots from Sabalenka reappeared in the third set – as did the negativity.
Rybakina’s deep returning pinned Sabalenka to the baseline as she broke for a 2-1 lead, which allowed the incoming world number one to grow in stature.
There was a sign of nerves when Rybakina produced a double fault on her first championship point, but she reset admirably to hammer down an ace and underline her status as the best player in the world.
