Elena Rybakina claimed her maiden US Open title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought three-set final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The Kazakhstani star, ranked World No. 2 heading into the match, overcame the World No. 1 Sabalenka with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory to secure her third Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka, representing Belarus and a two-time defending champion in New York, entered the final on a long unbeaten run at the tournament, but was unable to make it three consecutive titles.
Rybakina started strongly, breaking early and holding her nerve to take the opening set 6-4.
Sabalenka responded in the second set, raising her intensity and forcing a decider after edging it 7-5.
However, the final set belonged to Rybakina, who dominated with powerful groundstrokes and composed serving to race ahead and seal the match 6-2.
The victory sees Rybakina rise to World No. 1, ending Sabalenka’s long reign at the top of the rankings and confirming her status as the dominant force on hard courts this season.
The match lasted just over two hours and was the latest chapter in a growing rivalry between the two players, who have now faced each other in multiple Grand Slam finals in recent years.
Off the court, the final attracted a star-studded audience, with celebrities including Amy Adams, Fran Drescher, and tennis legend Billie Jean King among those in attendance, highlighting the global appeal of the US Open.
Rybakina’s triumph adds to her Wimbledon 2022 and Australian Open 2026 titles, leaving her just one major away from completing a career Grand Slam.
For Sabalenka, the defeat marks a frustrating end to the tournament, as she misses out on another major title despite a strong showing throughout the competition.
Attention now turns to the men’s final later today, where the tournament will conclude with another blockbuster clash to decide the final Grand Slam champion of the season.
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