NEW YORK, Sept 12 — Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, ending the Belarusian’s two-year reign as champion and denying her a historic third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina, 27, secured her first U.S. Open crown and third Grand Slam title overall, while simultaneously ascending to the top ranking in women’s tennis. The victory marked the second time this year she has defeated Sabalenka in a major final, following their Australian Open meeting in January.
The match unfolded in three tightly contested sets, with Rybakina’s composure under pressure proving decisive. Despite Sabalenka’s aggressive start and late surge in the second set, Rybakina held firm in the deciding frame, breaking early and maintaining control to close out the win.
Rybakina earns historic prize money and ranking milestone
Rybakina’s triumph delivered the largest prize in Grand Slam history at $5.5 million, surpassing the previous record set at Wimbledon in 2022. Her victory also completed a rare hard-court double this season, as she becomes the third woman this century to win both the Australian Open and U.S. Open in the same year, joining Sabalenka and Angelique Kerber.
The win solidified Rybakina’s status as the new world No. 1, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week tenure at the top of the WTA rankings. Rybakina had already clinched the ranking by reaching the semifinals, but her title defense over the top seed delivered a definitive statement.
Speaking after the match, Rybakina described the moment as overwhelming. “It’s tough to find words right now, honestly,” she said. “I didn’t expect anything like this coming into the tournament. I’ve been dealing with a little bit with an injury, but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”
She acknowledged the difficulty of facing Sabalenka, who pushed her to her limits throughout the tournament. “Aryna, it’s so difficult to play against you. You push me to the limit,” Rybakina added.
Sabalenka’s emotional defeat ends 20-match U.S. Open streak
Sabalenka entered the final with a 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open, having not lost at Flushing Meadows since the 2023 final. Her bid to become the first player since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to win three consecutive titles ended in frustration and visible distress.
Throughout the match, Sabalenka struggled with unforced errors and emotional outbursts, including smashing a racket and firing a ball into the crowd. She later reflected on the emotional toll of the loss. “It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of a Grand Slam,” Sabalenka told reporters. “I just wanted to let it go, because if I would hold it inside, I wouldn’t be able to say a word.”
Sabalenka also expressed disappointment at not delivering a victory for the home crowd, noting the support she had received in Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I felt like, ‘Oh my God, I feel American over there,’” she said. “I just wish I could win it and feel the support even more.”
Her defeat ended a 20-match winning streak at the U.S. Open and dashed her hopes of joining Serena Williams and Chris Evert as the only women in the professional era to win three straight titles in New York.
Rybakina overcomes injury concerns to complete coronation
Rybakina’s path to the title was not without challenges. She entered the tournament having withdrawn from the Cincinnati tune-up due to an ankle injury, raising questions about her readiness for the hard-court major. However, she dismissed those concerns with dominant performances against former champions Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff en route to the final.
“I want to say thank you to the beautiful spectators for such a beautiful atmosphere,” Rybakina said. “I’ve been coming here for the last 10 years and was never successful. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
Her victory completes a remarkable season that includes a Wimbledon title in 2022 and now two hard-court majors in 2024. Rybakina now stands one major away from completing a career Grand Slam, with the French Open as the only remaining target.
Match breakdown: Composure vs. aggression
Rybakina began the final with controlled aggression, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early to take a 3-2 lead in the first set. Sabalenka responded with a break of her own, but Rybakina held firm to claim the opening set 6-4.
The second set saw Sabalenka increase the intensity, saving two set points to force a tiebreak-like sequence and level the match at 5-5. However, Rybakina broke in the 12th game to close the set 7-5.
The decisive third set began with an immediate break by Rybakina, who maintained her momentum to secure the championship. Sabalenka finished with 15 unforced errors to Rybakina’s five, highlighting the contrast in composure under pressure.
Rybakina converted three of her 12 break chances, while Sabalenka struggled to capitalize on her serve, which was frequently tested throughout the match.
Looking ahead
With the U.S. Open concluded, Rybakina now turns her focus to completing a career Grand Slam, while Sabalenka will aim to regroup for the remainder of the season. Both players are expected to remain at the top of the rankings, with Rybakina poised to defend her newfound No. 1 status in upcoming tournaments.