Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka in US Open women’s singles final

Elena Rybakina delivered a devastating performance to dethrone two-time defending champion Aryna ⁠⁠Sabalenka with a 6-4⁠⁠, 5- 7, 6-2 win in the US Open women’s singles final, earning a third Grand Slam crown to accompany her ascent to world number one.

The ⁠⁠Russian-born Kazakh’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.

An ankle injury had threatened to derail Rybakina’s campaign even before the tournament started, but the 27-year-old shrugged off those concerns to add the US Open title to her Australian Open triumph this year and Wimbledon success in 2022.

The ‌‌title showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium had all the ingredients of a classic between the top two in the rankings, and though Sabalenka brought 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.

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.