From injury fears to triumph, 'everything aligned' at US Open, says Rybakina
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
NEW YORK, Sept 12 : The stars aligned in Elena Rybakina's favour for a U.S. Open triumph the Kazakh never expected on Saturday, as she walked out of New York the champion and new world number one despite an injury that once threatened to derail her campaign.
Rybakina beat the twice defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for the trophy little more than three weeks after an ankle injury that forced her out of the Cincinnati tune-up tournament, leaving fans to question whether she would even compete in New York.
She quieted those concerns with a series of comprehensive victories, beating former champions Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff before a cool-headed triumph over the Belarusian.
"It's tough to find words right now, honestly. I didn't expect nothing like this coming to this tournament," said Rybakina, after collecting her third major title and second of the season. "Somehow everything aligned together."
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
Rybakina had not played for seven days in the run-up to the tournament, hardly the preparation she had hoped for, and told reporters that doubts over her fitness lingered until the eve of the major.
But the doubts turned to confidence as she got past the fourth round of the hardcourt major for the first time in her career before ending Sabalenka's 99-week run at the top of the rankings.
It will be the first time she has achieved the world number one, in a memorable season that included her Australian Open win, also over Sabalenka, and runner-up performance in Toronto.
"I want to say thank you of course to such beautiful spectators for such beautiful atmosphere. I honestly was coming here for last 10 years and it never was successful," said Rybakina.
"I am falling in love with New York more and more."
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app