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 and ascending 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. 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. 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.

Sabalenka’s irritation became increasingly evident with each missed shot, 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 6-4. A sudden drop-off in Rybakina’s level midway through the second set gave Sabalenka hope, and she forced a deciding set.

Sabalenka let out a huge roar after another backhand winner to hold in a tight opening game of the third set. However, Rybakina’s quality shone through as she took a commanding 5-2 lead and then closed out a famous triumph to leave her Belarusian rival without any major silverware in 2026.

Source: www.aljazeera.com