403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Win US Open, Claims No. 1 Ranking
(MENAFN) Elena Rybakina dethroned two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set battle on Saturday, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to capture the US Open women's singles crown and her third career Grand Slam title.
The 27-year-old Kazakh delivered a composed performance under pressure at Arthur Ashe Stadium, denying Sabalenka a shot at a third straight US Open championship.
Rybakina drew first blood, taking the opening set 6-4, but Sabalenka answered with grit, clawing back to level the match with a 7-5 win in the second set. The decisive third set belonged to Rybakina, who broke Sabalenka's serve twice en route to a commanding 6-2 finish and her maiden US Open title.
The win locks in more than just a trophy. Rybakina had already clinched the world No. 1 ranking ahead of the final and will officially rise to the top spot when the WTA rankings refresh Monday — pushing Sabalenka out of the No. 1 seat.
Saturday's result also completed a banner season for Rybakina, who now holds two Grand Slam titles in 2026 after downing Sabalenka in January's Australian Open final. It marked their third career meeting on tennis's biggest stage — Sabalenka took the first, at the 2023 Australian Open, but Rybakina has swept both of their Grand Slam finals this year, and with it, both of 2026's hard-court major titles.
For Sabalenka, the loss ends a bid for history. The top-seeded, two-time defending champion had entered the final chasing a feat unmatched since Serena Williams, who won three consecutive US Open titles from 2012 to 2014.
The 27-year-old Kazakh delivered a composed performance under pressure at Arthur Ashe Stadium, denying Sabalenka a shot at a third straight US Open championship.
Rybakina drew first blood, taking the opening set 6-4, but Sabalenka answered with grit, clawing back to level the match with a 7-5 win in the second set. The decisive third set belonged to Rybakina, who broke Sabalenka's serve twice en route to a commanding 6-2 finish and her maiden US Open title.
The win locks in more than just a trophy. Rybakina had already clinched the world No. 1 ranking ahead of the final and will officially rise to the top spot when the WTA rankings refresh Monday — pushing Sabalenka out of the No. 1 seat.
Saturday's result also completed a banner season for Rybakina, who now holds two Grand Slam titles in 2026 after downing Sabalenka in January's Australian Open final. It marked their third career meeting on tennis's biggest stage — Sabalenka took the first, at the 2023 Australian Open, but Rybakina has swept both of their Grand Slam finals this year, and with it, both of 2026's hard-court major titles.
For Sabalenka, the loss ends a bid for history. The top-seeded, two-time defending champion had entered the final chasing a feat unmatched since Serena Williams, who won three consecutive US Open titles from 2012 to 2014.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment