Elena Rybakina bests defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win her first U.S. Open
CBS News • • sports
Key Points:
- Elena Rybakina claimed her first U.S. Open title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, simultaneously securing the No. 1 ranking in women's tennis, which she was set to officially assume the following week.
- This victory marked Rybakina's third Grand Slam title and her second this year against Sabalenka on hard courts, ending Sabalenka's 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open.
- Rybakina earned $5.5 million, the largest Grand Slam prize in history, while Sabalenka, aiming for a third consecutive U.S. Open title, showed visible frustration after the loss.
- Despite struggling with a foot injury earlier in the season and never advancing past the fourth round at the U.S. Open before, Rybakina's powerful serve and consistent pressure proved decisive against Sabalenka.
- Sabalenka, who had dominated the U.S. Open in recent years, was unable to maintain her previous form, reflecting on a challenging summer and the pressure of defending her title.
