Elena Rybakina wins US Open tennis title

NEW YORK: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina has captured the US Open women’s singles title after defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final, ending the Belarusian star’s bid for a historic third consecutive championship.

Rybakina secured the Grand Slam crown after beating Sabalenka 2-1 in sets, producing a composed performance under immense pressure to claim one of the biggest victories of her career.

The triumph marks another major milestone for Rybakina, who has established herself as one of the leading players on the women’s tennis circuit. Her powerful game and ability to remain calm during crucial moments proved decisive against the top-ranked Sabalenka.

For Sabalenka, the defeat was particularly painful. She had entered the tournament with hopes of extending her dominance at Flushing Meadows and becoming a three-time consecutive US Open champion.

Instead, the world No. 1 was left to deal with a hugely disappointing finish after coming so close to another Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka smashes racket after defeat

The frustration boiled over immediately after the final, with Sabalenka smashing her racket on court.

The incident could result in a substantial fine. Media reports suggest Sabalenka could face a penalty of up to $50,000 for the racket incident, while two separate violations could potentially take her total fine to around $70,000.

She could also face further disciplinary action following an alleged confrontation with a camera operator. Repeated racket-breaking incidents could result in additional penalties under tournament regulations.

Sabalenka later explained that the intense emotions of losing a Grand Slam final had become difficult to control.

She said breaking the racket was her way of releasing the anger and disappointment she was experiencing after the defeat.

The Belarusian star acknowledged that keeping those emotions inside might have made the situation worse, particularly after her hopes of winning three straight US Open titles disappeared.

Rybakina keeps her nerve

While Sabalenka struggled with frustration, Rybakina maintained her composure and delivered when it mattered most.

The Kazakh player entered the final knowing she faced the tournament’s top-ranked competitor, but she refused to be overwhelmed by the occasion.

Her victory adds another major chapter to a career that has already seen her compete successfully at the highest level of women’s tennis.

The final also underlined the increasingly competitive nature of women’s Grand Slam tennis, with powerful players challenging the established hierarchy.

For Rybakina, however, the night belonged entirely to her.

As Sabalenka walked away from another heartbreaking Grand Slam final, Rybakina celebrated a landmark victory in New York.

The US Open crown now gives the Kazakhstan star another major title to add to her growing collection and sends a clear message to the rest of the women’s tennis world: Rybakina is firmly among the game’s elite.