New World No. 1 Elena Rybakina Halts Aryna Sabalenka 3-Peat Bid At U.S. Open

New York, September 12 - In a thrilling U.S. Open final, Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina defeated defending champion and world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, ending Sabalenka's quest for a record third consecutive title at the prestigious tournament. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, drew a crowd of over 23,000 spectators.

A former U.S. Open champion among the crowd was Jennifer Capriati. Rybakina, the Russian-born Kazakh professional, secured her third major title after she had previously won the 2023 Australian Open and 2024 WTA Tour Finals. This victory ends Sabalenka's 19-match winning streak in New York, leaving her with a 4-5 record in major finals.

Rybakina, who will officially become the world No. 1 on Monday, now boasts a 10-8 career record against Sabalenka, including six wins on hardcourts. The champion will take home $5.5 million, while Sabalenka, who has been world No. 1 for 99 consecutive weeks, earns $2.8 million. In the pivotal third set, Rybakina broke Sabalenka's serve when the latter hit a forehand long on match point.

Demonstrating poise, Rybakina held at love for 4-2, then secured her second break point win with an ace. Winning the match on her second match point at 5-2, Rybakina served for the championship after breaking Sabalenka's serve at 2-4. The decisive moment in the second set occurred when Sabalenka double-faulted on break point, handing Rybakina a 3-2 lead.

In the second set, Rybakina saved two set points before converting them, ultimately holding with a forehand winner that Sabalenka couldn't reach.