Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending champion, is poised to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to pull off a three‑peat at the US Open. The stakes are heightened by the fact that she will meet the newly crowned world No. 1, Elena Rybakina, in Saturday's final at Flushing Meadows. Rybakina’s stellar 2024 season, which began with a victory over Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, will catapult her to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, ending Sabalenka’s 99‑week reign at the summit.
Despite that setback, Sabalenka is determined to exact a measure of revenge by defending her New York title against the Kazakh star in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m. Since the Open Era began in 1988, only four women—Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis—have reached five or more Grand Slam finals while holding the world No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka now joins that elite group as she steps onto her ninth Grand Slam final overall.
She arrives in New York on a 19‑match winning streak and a 36‑3 record at the US Open over the past five years, marking her eighth consecutive hard‑court major final. Her recent form includes seven top‑10 victories this season, with back‑to‑back wins at this tournament.
"I really understand how difficult it is to become world No. 1," Sabalenka said in a post‑match interview. "It takes a lot of work, and that was one of my goals.
But midway through the season I didn’t perform at my best. Elena took over and played brilliantly. I can only focus on myself, stay in the moment and give my best, hoping I can take the title back from her. It feels strange to play well and still lose the top spot, but that’s the beauty of sport—everyone chasing everyone, improving on the little things that make a difference." The final promises a compelling narrative: two top seeds meeting for the first time in a US Open final since Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in 2013.
Rybakina, the first Kazakh to reach the world No. 1 ranking, echoed Sabalenka’s calm resolve.
"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 add too much pressure; the rankings are close, and even if I lose, there are other tournaments ahead. Playing against someone who pushes you to your limits is great for growth." Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka admitted she would rather win a third US Open title than cling to the No.
1 ranking. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her self‑awareness: "Aryna knows who she is and what she’s capable of. On a big stage she steps up, understanding that this is her house and the other players are guests." Former Belarusian pro Max Mirnyi, who peaked at world No. 18, added his perspective on Sabalenka’s New York success.
"She thrives under the spotlight and the pressure of night sessions. The glamour, the crowds—it suits her perfectly and fuels her performance." Rybakina’s path to the final included a thrilling semi‑final victory over Coco Gauff, cementing her place in the championship match and bringing her one step closer to a third Grand Slam title.
The two have already faced each other in two Grand Slam finals: Sabalenka won the 2023 Australian Open final, while Rybakina turned the tables at Melbourne Park earlier this year. Both players emphasized the mutual respect that drives their rivalry. Rybakina noted, "We push each other, and you can clearly see where you need to improve. It’s great to have an opponent who forces you to the limit." The US Open will continue to be streamed live on Sky Sports from August 30, with additional viewing options on NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports. As the final approaches, the tennis world watches two of the sport’s brightest stars prepare for a showdown that could rewrite history. Sabalenka seeks to cement her legacy with a historic three‑peat, while Rybakina aims to claim her maiden US Open crown and solidify her status as the new world No.
1. The outcome will not only determine who lifts the trophy but also shape the narrative of women’s tennis for years to come.