The 27-year-old champion, who previously claimed the Wimbledon title in 2022 and defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, proved too consistent for her opponent on Saturday. While Sabalenka entered the match aiming to join legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams as a three-time consecutive US Open winner, she ultimately saw her 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows come to an abrupt end.
A Decisive Performance in New York
Rybakina dictated the tempo early, securing the opening set before Sabalenka mounted a spirited comeback in the second. After fending off break points, the Belarusian found her rhythm, eventually breaking Rybakina’s serve to force a decider. Despite the momentum shift, Rybakina regained her composure immediately in the third set, utilizing an aggressive game plan that kept her opponent under constant pressure.
Although Rybakina faced a brief moment of tension while serving for the championship—conceding two double faults—she responded with an ace to seal the match. Reflecting on the victory, Rybakina noted that she had to remain focused on her serve and take calculated risks during the decisive moments of the final set. She expressed pride in her recent achievements, acknowledging the difficulty of processing such a significant career milestone.
Sabalenka’s Streak Ends
For Sabalenka, the defeat marks a disappointing conclusion to her US Open campaign, as she finishes the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022. The 28-year-old admitted she was not satisfied with her performance, conceding that Rybakina was the superior player on the day. Sabalenka, who had not lost at the tournament since the 2023 final, addressed the crowd with visible emotion, expressing her hope to return stronger next year.
Rybakina’s victory marks a significant shift in the WTA rankings, as she officially replaces Sabalenka at the top of the standings. Having now secured three major titles in her career, the new world number one continues to build on a dominant run of form that has defined her season.
