Breaking: New world number one Rybakina dethrones Sabalenka in US Open final

Elena Rybakina claimed her first US Open title, ending Aryna Sabalenka's pursuit of a hat-trick of victories at Flushing Meadows in New York. Rybakina dominated the first set, but faced difficulties in the second, recovering from two set points before Sabalenka reclaimed control. The Kazakh player persevered, breaking early in the third set and securing a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory, marking her third major title win of the year, following her Australian Open triumph over Sabalenka in January.

Sabalenka's loss ended her chances of winning the US Open for a third consecutive year, mirroring the undefeated streak of tennis legend Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014. Sabalenka showed frustration by smashing racquets during the match, and Rybakina halted her 19-match winning streak at the US Open, where she had lost only once previously, to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final.

Rybakina earned the largest prize in Grand Slam history, $US5.5 million ($7.67 million), and tied Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva with three titles this season.