Jelena Rybakina won the US Open women’s singles title in New York by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6:4, 5:7, 6:2 in the final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending her opponent’s championship streak and capturing her first title in New York. Tennis legend Maria Scharapowa presented the trophy to Rybakina, who kissed the silverware beneath golden pyrotechnic fountains following a hard-fought battle between the world’s top-ranked competitors.
“It’s difficult to find words,” Rybakina said after the match, reflecting on her journey to the championship. “I’ve been coming here the past ten years and was never successful, not even close. It’s just unbelievable.”
With this victory, Rybakina secures the world number one ranking, overtaking Sabalenka after her 99-week consecutive run at the top. The triumph marks the third career Grand Slam title for the Kazakhstan player, who also claimed victory at the Australian Open earlier in the season.
Star-Studded Audience Watches Power Tennis Unfold
The high-stakes final unfolded before a celebrity-filled grandstand in New York that included actor Brad Pitt, singer Pink, and Paris Hilton, alongside winter sports athlete Jutta Leerdam and influencer Jake Paul. Both finalists immediately leaned into their signature power-hitting styles under the stadium lights.
Sabalenka sought a historic third US Open title, a feat achieved only by American greats Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014 and Chris Evert from 1975 to 1978. Despite early momentum and loud cheers of encouragement after fighting off initial break points, the Belarusian struggled with unforced errors and consistency throughout the afternoon.
“I’m naturally disappointed, but I want to congratulate you on an incredible year,” Sabalenka said through tears during the trophy ceremony, addressing the new champion.
Turning Points and Tactical Shifts on Court
Nerves affected both competitors during the opening exchanges. Sabalenka registered a costly double fault in the fifth game of the first set to hand Rybakina a 3:2 lead, prompting a brief flash of frustration where she hit a ball into the stands and received a warning. Rybakina capitalized on the opening to secure the first set in 44 minutes, despite landing only 27 percent of her first serves.
Seeking a tactical reset during the break, Sabalenka spent time with her head under a white towel. The adjustment paid off as her groundstrokes gained depth and variety, featuring successful drop shots that drew enthusiastic applause from celebrities like Pitt in the stands. After squandering two set points at 5:4, Sabalenka leveled the match in the following game by converting a return with a powerful backhand.
Rybakina responded immediately in the deciding set, breaking serve early and maintaining pressure as both players showed signs of physical fatigue. The champion pulled away in the final games and sealed the match with an ace, etching her name onto the New York major trophy for the first time.
