Rybakina stuns Sabalenka to win first US Open title
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineElena Rybakina has won her first US Open title after defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The second-seeded Kazakhstani defeated world No. 1 Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Saturday to claim her third career Grand Slam title.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Rybakina, who arrived in New York with doubts over her fitness after suffering an ankle injury during her Cincinnati Open quarter-final.
The 27-year-old was reportedly unable to walk for several days following the injury but recovered in time to compete at the US Open and produced a memorable run to the title.
“I was coming here for the last 10 years, and it was never successful.
“I’m falling in love with New York more and more,” Rybakina said.
Before this year, Rybakina had never progressed beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
Her powerful serve and thunderous groundstrokes helped her move through her opening four matches before she faced tougher tests against Zheng Qinwen and home favourite Coco Gauff.
Rybakina lost the opening set in both matches but recovered to reach the final, showing the resilience required to navigate the demanding second week of a Grand Slam.
Against Sabalenka, she combined her attacking game with impressive defensive play, putting pressure on the four-time major champion from the baseline while producing crucial returns.
“Some magic is happening. I was unlucky with injury and just going day by day,” Rybakina told Sky Sports. “We didn’t know how it was going to be, so I’m super happy and still can’t believe it.”
For Sabalenka, the defeat represented another painful setback in a Grand Slam final.
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The world No. 1 had been attempting to become only the third woman in the Open Era, after Chris Evert and Serena Williams, to win three consecutive US Open titles.
However, Rybakina took advantage of Sabalenka’s errors and aggressive second serves, with a double fault on a decisive break point in the opening set proving particularly costly.
Sabalenka fought to remain in the contest but struggled to find the consistency needed against Rybakina’s powerful game, with her frustration evident throughout the match.
Despite the disappointment, Sabalenka remained composed enough to address the 24,000 spectators at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech, but I will try my best,” an emotional Sabalenka told the crowd.
“I wish I could have performed a little bit better, but I guess next year.”
The defeat was Sabalenka’s fifth loss in nine Grand Slam finals and ended her 99-week run at the top of the WTA rankings, with Rybakina set to become world No. 1 for the first time.
Rybakina’s latest triumph follows her 2022 Wimbledon title and 2026 Australian Open victory, taking her Grand Slam tally to three.
The US Open crown also leaves her one French Open title away from completing a career Grand Slam.
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