Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to seal dramatic US Open title triumph

Key Points:

• Elena Rybakina has emerged as the undisputed best tennis player globally after winning the US Open and claiming the world No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka.
• Despite an Achilles injury and pressure to secure the top ranking, Rybakina displayed exceptional mental toughness, defeating four consecutive grand slam or Olympic champions during the tournament.
• Rybakina's victory over Sabalenka in a three-set final (6-4, 5-7, 6-2) showcased her versatility, overcoming a poor serving start by dominating baseline rallies and resetting effectively in the decisive moments.
• With this win, Rybakina now holds the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA Finals titles, joining elite company as a three-time grand slam champion and positioning herself for a career grand slam with the French Open remaining.
• The final marked a historic rivalry moment, being only the second time in history that the same two players contested both the Australian Open and US Open finals on hard courts, highlighting the intense competition between the sport's top two players.