Aryna Sabalenka, who entered the US Open as the two‑time defending champion, is on the brink of making history. If she can lift the trophy for a third consecutive year, she will become the first woman since Serena Williams achieved a "three‑peat" in New York back in 2014.
Yet her path to that landmark victory runs straight into the hands of the newly crowned world No. 1, Elena Rybakina, who will be waiting for her in the final on Saturday. Rybakina’s season has been nothing short of spectacular.
It began with a stunning victory over Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, a win that set the stage for her ascent to the top of the rankings. By the time the WTA rankings are updated on Monday, she will have ended Sabalenka’s 99‑week reign at the summit, taking over as the world’s leading female player. Despite that shift, Sabalenka remains determined to exact a measure of revenge – not only for the Australian Open loss but also for being overtaken in the rankings – by defending her US Open title against the Kazakh star. The final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis at 5 p.m.
from Flushing Meadows, and it promises a clash of two of the sport’s most formidable talents. Sabalenka’s résumé is already impressive: since 1988, she has joined an elite group of players who have reached at least five Grand Slam finals while holding the world No. 1 ranking – a list that includes legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis. The Belarusian is now contesting her ninth Grand Slam final overall and has compiled a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open this year.
Her record at the tournament over the past five years stands at 36‑3, and she has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals, notching seven top‑10 victories this season alone. "I really understand how tough it is to reach world No. 1," Sabalenka said in a recent interview.
"It takes a lot of work, and that was one of my goals, but there were moments this season when I didn’t perform as well as I wanted. Elena took advantage and played brilliantly. I can only focus on myself, stay in the moment and give my best, hoping I can take it back from her. It feels odd to play well and still lose the top spot, but that’s the beauty of sport – everyone is chasing everyone, and it’s the little improvements that make the difference." Rybakina, the first Kazakh player to become world No.
1, echoed a similar mindset. "It’s an important match, and because it’s a final, I just want to win and give my best," she said. "I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself – the rankings are tight, and even if something goes wrong, there are still plenty of tournaments left this year. Playing against someone like Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me where I need to improve." Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka admitted that a third US Open title mattered more to her than retaining the No.
1 ranking. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her mental clarity: "Aryna is remembering who she is – she’s very aligned with herself, knows her capabilities, and understands that on a big stage she must elevate her game. She sees this tournament as her house and the other players as guests who must eventually leave." Former Belarusian star Max Mirnyi, who peaked at world No. 18, added his perspective on Sabalenka’s suitability for New York.
"You can see her improving as the tournament progresses. She thrives under the spotlight, enjoys the glamour, and handles the pressure of night sessions exceptionally well.
That’s why she’s been so successful here." Rybakina’s journey to the final was equally dramatic. She rallied to defeat Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, securing her place opposite the defending champion and moving a step closer to her third Grand Slam crown.
The two have already met in two Grand Slam finals: Sabalenka won the 2023 Australian Open decider, while Rybakina leveled the score at Melbourne Park earlier in the year. Both players emphasize the mutual respect and competitive drive that fuels their rivalry. "We push each other when we play these matches, and you can clearly see what you need to work on more," Rybakina reiterated. "It’s great to play against someone who pushes you to the limit." The US Open final will be streamed live on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional viewing options via NOW and the Sky Sports App, allowing fans to watch without a contract.
For those interested in other tennis events, the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, also broadcast on Sky Sports. As the stakes rise, the tennis world watches to see whether Sabalenka can complete a historic three‑peat or if Rybakina will celebrate her maiden US Open triumph while solidifying her position as the new world No.
1. Either outcome will add a compelling chapter to the sport’s rich narrative, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the modern era of women's tennis.