Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending champion, arrives in New York with a chance to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive US Open titles. Her opponent on Saturday’s final at Flushing Meadows is the newly crowned world No. 1, Elena Rybakina, who has already turned the tables on Sabalenka by beating her in the Australian Open final earlier this year. Rybakina’s triumph in Melbourne not only handed her a Grand Slam crown but also set her on course to overtake Sabalenka’s 99‑week reign at the top of the WTA rankings on Monday.
The showdown promises a dramatic narrative: Sabalenka can exact a measure of revenge for the Australian defeat and for losing the No. 1 spot, while Rybakina looks to cement her ascent by capturing her first US Open title.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m. on Saturday, and fans are encouraged to use Chrome for the most reliable video playback. Sabalenka’s résumé is impressive. Since 1988, she joins an elite group of players who have reached at least five Grand Slam finals while holding the world No.
1 ranking – a club that includes Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis. The Belarusian is now contesting her ninth major final overall and has not lost a match in New York for 19 straight contests. Her record at the US Open over the past five years stands at 36‑3, and she has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals, racking up seven top‑10 victories this season alone, including back‑to‑back wins at this tournament.
"I really understand how tough 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 there were periods this season when I didn’t perform at my best. Elena played superb tennis and took the top spot.
I can only focus on myself, stay in the moment and give my best, hoping I can take it back from her. It feels strange to play well and still lose the ranking, but that’s the beauty of sport – everyone chasing everyone, improving on the little things that make the difference." Rybakina, the first Kazakh player ever to reach world No. 1, echoed a similar sentiment about the pressure 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 – you just want to win and give your 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, there will be other opportunities throughout the 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 she would rather add a third US Open trophy to her collection than cling to 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 home and expects the other competitors to leave when she’s done." Former Belarusian star Max Mirnyi, who peaked at world No. 18, added his perspective on Sabalenka’s New York form. "You can see her improving as the tournament progresses.
She thrives under the spotlight, especially during night sessions, and that pressure seems to bring out her best. She fits perfectly in the New York atmosphere." Rybakina’s path to the final was equally compelling.
She rallied past Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, securing a place opposite the defending champion and moving one step closer to a third Grand Slam crown. The two have met in Grand Slam finals before: Sabalenka beat Rybakina in the 2023 Australian Open decider, while the Kazakh avenged that loss by winning the same event in Melbourne earlier this year. Both players emphasize the mutual respect that fuels their rivalry. Rybakina reiterated, "We push each other when we play these matches, and you can clearly see what you need to work on more.
It’s great to play against someone who pushes you to the limit." The US Open coverage will continue on Sky Sports from August 30 onward, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app without a contract. Tennis fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, also shown on Sky Sports. In summary, Saturday’s final offers a compelling clash of narratives: Sabalenka’s quest for a historic three‑peat versus Rybakina’s ambition to seal her maiden US Open title and solidify her new world No. 1 status.
The match promises high‑quality tennis, intense rivalry, and the kind of drama that defines Grand Slam finals. Whether the Belarusian can defend her crown or the Kazakh will claim her first US Open victory, the world will be watching closely, and the outcome will shape the WTA landscape for months to come.