Elena Rybakina Wins US Open, Takes World No. 1 Title

Elena Rybakina advanced one step toward a career Grand Slam on Saturday by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. She captured her first U.S. Open title in that process.

The victory secured her spot at No. 1 next week, replacing Sabalenka in the world rankings. Yet she did more than inherit the top rank. She claimed the crown Sabalenka held for the past two years, making the shift official.

Rybakina struggled to find words after the match. "It's tough to find words right now, honestly," Rybakina said. "I don't expect nothing like this coming to this tournament." She mentioned dealing with a minor injury. Somehow everything aligned in her favor anyway.

She won the Australian Open earlier this year by defeating Sabalenka on hard courts at Melbourne Park. That win was another major moment for her career.

Sabalenka started Saturday's final riding a 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open. She had not lost since Coco Gauff beat her in the 2023 final. Her goal was to become the first player since Serena Williams from 2012-14 to win three straight titles at Flushing Meadows.

"I really felt like home here and cannot wait to come back next year," Sabalenka said. "I wish I could perform a little bit better, but I guess next year."

This Saturday marked the third U.S. Open women's final since 2000 between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds. The second seed won for the first time in this matchup. Serena Williams was the top seed in the other two finals. She defeated her sister Venus in 2002 and Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

Rybakina was born in Russia but represents Kazakhstan on tour. She earned her first major title at Wimbledon back in 2022. A win at the French Open would complete a career Grand Slam for the 27-year-old player.

She showed some frustration when she pulled a backhand wide with a break point in the opening game of the third set. Soon after, she took charge of the match for good.

Sabalenka won the other two meetings this season on hard courts at Indian Wells and Miami. She leads their rivalry 10-8 overall.

American Ben Shelton will face German star Alexander Zverev in Sunday's men's singles final. The Associated Press contributed to this report.