Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka to claim US Open crown
Elena Rybakina captured the US Open women's singles title by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 at Flushing Meadows. The match featured a tense second set in which Sabalenka held a break point and later forced a third‑set break before Rybakina secured an early break and kept the lead. Rybakina, celebrating her third Grand Slam, said the win fulfilled a ten‑year quest and deepened her love for New York. Sabalenka, 28, expressed disappointment but praised Rybakina’s performance and hinted at a comeback next year. The victory also crowns a new world No. 1 and comes with a record $5.5 million prize.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 3h later
- Coverage peaked at 10 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The win gives Rybakina a record prize and moves her to world No. 1, reshaping the sport’s top rankings.
How this story developed
- Sep 7 Carlos Alcaraz faces Ben Shelton in US Open quarterfinal showdown
- Sep 7 Twenty-one-year-old Blockx advanced to the US Open quarter-finals, defeating 24th seed Cerundolo in a four-set match despite rib pain.
- Sep 9 Shelton defeated Alcaraz in a five‑set quarterfinal.
- Sep 10 Blockx advanced to the US Open quarter‑finals.
- Sep 12 Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to claim her first US Open title and become the world number one.
- Sep 13 Rybakina earned a record $5.5 million prize for the victory.
