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Elena Rybakina Stuns Aryna Sabalenka to Claim U.S. Open Title and World No. 1 Ranking
On Saturday, Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim her first U.S. Open title and third career Grand Slam championship.
This victory ends Sabalenka's 99-week reign atop the WTA Tour rankings. Rybakina will officially replace her as world No. 1 on Monday, marking the first time the Kazakhstani player reaches the sport's top position.
Rybakina earned $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, after edging Sabalenka 12-6 in aces. She closed the match with a 110-mph ace and committed 24 unforced errors compared to Sabalenka's 35.
Sabalenka's loss denied her a rare New York 'three-peat,' a feat achieved only by Chris Evert and Serena Williams in the Open Era. Visibly frustrated, she smashed her racket after the match.
This 18th career meeting underscores intense competitive parity between the pair, whom coach Max Mirnyi called the 'two best players' in women's tennis. Their dominance signals a defining rivalry for the sport's remaining events.