Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending champion, is poised to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to capture three consecutive US Open titles. She will face the rising star Elena Rybakina, who is set to assume the world No. 1 ranking after Monday’s rankings update, in the tournament’s final on Saturday at Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. She began the year by defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, a victory that propelled her toward the top of the WTA ladder. That win, combined with a string of strong performances throughout the spring and summer, guarantees her the No.

1 spot once the new rankings are released, ending Sabalenka’s 99‑week reign at the summit of the sport. For Sabalenka, the upcoming final offers a chance for redemption on two fronts.

Not only will she have the opportunity to avenge her Australian Open loss, but she can also defend her US Open crown against the very player who is about to overtake her in the rankings. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m. on Saturday, promising a high‑stakes showdown between the tournament’s top two seeds.

Historically, Sabalenka has joined an elite group of world No. 1 players who have reached at least five Grand Slam finals.

Since 1988, only Steffi Graf (20 finals), Serena Williams (14), Monica Seles (9) and Martina Hingis (9) have achieved this feat before her. Now entering her ninth Grand Slam final, Sabalenka arrives in New York on a 19‑match winning streak and a 36‑3 record at the US Open over the past five years. She has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals, accumulating seven top‑10 victories this season alone, including back‑to‑back wins at this venue.

"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 periods this season when I didn’t perform at my best.

Elena took the top spot and played brilliantly. I can only focus on myself, stay in the moment and give my best. Maybe I’ll take it back from her.

It feels odd to lose the ranking while still playing well, but that’s the beauty of sport – everyone chasing everyone, and improvement comes from the little things we fine‑tune." Rybakina, the first Kazakh player ever to become world No. 1, echoed a similar sentiment about the pressure and excitement of the final. "It’s an important match, and because it’s a final, I feel it doesn’t matter who’s on the other side – 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 so close that even if something goes wrong, I’ll still have plenty of opportunities later in the year.

Playing against someone like Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me exactly where I need to improve." Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka admitted that winning a third US Open title mattered more to her than retaining the world No. 1 ranking. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her mental clarity: "Aryna is remembering who she is – she’s very aligned with her strengths and knows what she’s capable of.

When she steps onto a big stage against a player like Jess Pegula, she knows she must elevate her game. She treats the court as her house and the other competitors as guests who must eventually leave." Former Belarusian pro Max Mirnyi, who peaked at world No. 18, added his perspective on Sabalenka’s fit with the New York atmosphere. "You can see her improving as the tournament progresses.

She thrives under the spotlight, especially during night sessions, and that pressure fuels her success. She’s the perfect glamour girl for this event." Rybakina’s path to the final was equally dramatic. She rallied past Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, securing her place in the championship match and moving one step closer to a third Grand Slam title.

The two finalists have already met in two Grand Slam finals: Sabalenka defeated Rybakina at the 2023 Australian Open, while Rybakina reversed the result in Melbourne earlier this year. Both players emphasized the mutual respect and competitive edge they bring to each other. "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 have an opponent who forces you to the limits." The US Open final will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with additional viewing options available through 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.

In summary, Saturday’s final promises a clash of titans: Sabalenka, chasing a historic three‑peat and defending her title, versus Rybakina, eager to cement her ascent to world No. 1 with a maiden US Open triumph.

The outcome will not only decide who lifts the trophy but also shape the narrative of women’s tennis for the remainder of the season. Both athletes have expressed a focus on playing their best tennis, regardless of rankings or external expectations, underscoring the pure competitive spirit that defines Grand Slam finals.