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Rybakina Triumphs Over Sabalenka to Claim US Open Title
Confirmed
In Short: Kazakh tennis star Elena Rybakina overcame a pre-tournament ankle injury to defeat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling US Open final.
Kazakh tennis star Elena Rybakina overcame a pre-tournament ankle injury to defeat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling US Open final, securing her first Grand Slam title and a third major trophy of the year.
The 27-year-old Rybakina, who has already claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year, delivered a devastating performance to dethrone the two-time defending champion Sabalenka with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win in the US Open women’s singles final.
Rybakina’s icy composure on the grand stage helped her snap Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows on Saturday, denying the Belarusian the chance to emulate Serena Williams and Chris Evert with three straight New York titles.
Despite Sabalenka’s late aggression, Rybakina was typically unruffled and prevailed to pocket the $5.5m prize. Dressed in a yellow-and-black outfit that evoked a bee, Rybakina produced some stinging groundstrokes but was unable to make the early pressure count as Sabalenka unleashed big serves to hold firm in the pair’s third Grand Slam final meeting.
Rybakina's deep returning pinned Sabalenka to the baseline as she broke for a 2-1 lead, which allowed the incoming world number one to grow in stature. Not only was Rybakina able to play, but she cruised through her opening four matches thanks to a huge service game that rarely allowed opponents to get into points.
Against Sabalenka, she showed both facets of her game, bullying her from the baseline and digging in when she had to to leave her a French Open title away from the career Grand Slam. Her performance was a testament to her resilience and mental fortitude, as she took a commanding 5-2 lead and then closed out a famous triumph.
Rybakina's next two wins over China's Zheng Qinwen and home favourite Coco Gauff required more work after losing the first sets, proving she had the durability to come through tough battles. '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, 27, said after her victory.
What's confirmed
- Kazakh tennis star Elena Rybakina overcame a pre-tournament ankle injury to defeat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling US Open final, securing her first Grand Slam title and a third major trophy of the year.
- The 27-year-old Rybakina, who has already claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year, delivered a devastating performance to dethrone the two-time defending champion Sabalenka with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win in the US Open women’s singles final.
- Rybakina’s icy composure on the grand stage helped her snap Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows on Saturday, denying the Belarusian the chance to emulate Serena Williams and Chris Evert with three straight New York titles.
- Despite Sabalenka’s late aggression, Rybakina was typically unruffled and prevailed to pocket the $5.5m prize. Dressed in a yellow-and-black outfit that evoked a bee, Rybakina produced some stinging groundstrokes but was unable to make the early pressure count as Sabalenka unleashed big serves to hold firm in the pair’s third Grand Slam final meeting.
- Rybakina's deep returning pinned Sabalenka to the baseline as she broke for a 2-1 lead, which allowed the incoming world number one to grow in stature. Not only was Rybakina able to play, but she cruised through her opening four matches thanks to a huge service game that rarely allowed opponents to get into points.
- Against Sabalenka, she showed both facets of her game, bullying her from the baseline and digging in when she had to to leave her a French Open title away from the career Grand Slam. Her performance was a testament to her resilience and mental fortitude, as she took a commanding 5-2 lead and then closed out a famous triumph.
- Rybakina's next two wins over China's Zheng Qinwen and home favourite Coco Gauff required more work after losing the first sets, proving she had the durability to come through tough battles. '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, 27, said after her victory.
What's still developing
- The second seed drew first blood to go ahead 3-2 following a Sabalenka double fault, with the frustrated Belarusian earning a code violation immediately afterwards for launching a ball high into the stands of the main showcourt.
- Sabalenka’s irritation became increasingly evident with each missed shot and squandered opportunity, in stark contrast to the trademark calm etched on Rybakina’s face as the Kazakh tightened her grip on the opening set and clinched it with a tight hold.
- A sudden drop-off in Rybakina’s level midway through the second set gave the 28-year-old Sabalenka hope, and she produced a delicate drop shot and a stunning backhand crosscourt winner en route to forcing a deciding set.