Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending champion, arrives in New York with a rare opportunity: 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 rising star Elena Rybakina, who is set to claim the world No.1 ranking after her Australian Open triumph over Sabalenka earlier this season.
The clash pits a seasoned champion eager to cement her legacy against a hungry challenger poised to rewrite history and seize the top spot in the WTA rankings. Rybakina’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. After defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, she accumulated a string of high‑profile victories that propelled her to the summit of the rankings, ending the Belarusian’s 99‑week reign on Monday. Yet Sabalenka, who has already tasted the sting of that loss, is determined to exact revenge on the biggest stage of the year.
The final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m., offering viewers a dramatic showdown between the sport’s two leading figures. Sabalenka’s résumé is already historic. Since turning professional, she has joined an elite group of world No.1 players who have reached at least five Grand Slam finals, a list that includes legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.
This will be her ninth Grand Slam final overall and she arrives in New York on a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open. Over the past five years, her record at Flushing Meadows stands at an impressive 36‑3, and she has reached the final of every hard‑court major she has entered this season, tallying seven top‑10 victories along the way. In a candid interview, Sabalenka reflected on the challenges of maintaining a world‑number‑one ranking.
"I really understand how tough it is to stay at the top," she said. "It takes a lot of work, and while reaching No.1 was a goal, there were periods this season when I didn’t perform at my best. Elena took the lead and played brilliantly, but I can only focus on my own game, stay in the moment, and give my best. If I can take the title back, that would be amazing.
It feels strange to win a tournament and still lose the number one spot, but that’s sport. I love that – the constant chase, the small improvements that make a big difference." Rybakina, the first Kazakhstani player ever 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 do my best," she explained.
"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 Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me where I need to improve.
That’s a great feeling." Both athletes have spoken about the mental and emotional aspects of the contest. Sabalenka’s performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her self‑belief, noting that she is "very aligned with who she is" and understands the responsibility of defending a title on a grand stage. "She knows what she’s capable of," Stacy said. "When she steps onto the court, she treats it as her house and expects the other players to leave as guests." Former Belarusian pro Max Mirnyi added his perspective, highlighting Sabalenka’s ability to thrive under pressure.
"Aryna has improved as the tournament has progressed," Mirnyi observed. "She loves the spotlight, the night sessions, and the glamour of New York. That pressure fuels her success." The road to the final for both competitors has been dramatic. Rybakina overcame a fierce semi‑final battle against Coco Gauff, securing her place in the title match with a thrilling victory that showcased her resilience and power.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka has navigated a series of tough matches, reinforcing her reputation as a relentless competitor who can adapt her game to any opponent. The historical context adds further intrigue.
This final marks the first time the top two seeds have met in a US Open women’s final since Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in 2013. A win for Sabalenka would grant her a unique hat‑trick, a feat not achieved since Williams’ three‑peat in 2014.
Conversely, a triumph for Rybakina would not only earn her a first US Open crown but also solidify her status as the new world No.1, making her the first Kazakh player to achieve that distinction. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that the excitement reaches a global audience.
The match promises high‑stakes tennis, intense rallies, and the emotional weight of a potential historic milestone for either player. In summary, Saturday’s US Open final is more than a contest for a trophy; it is a battle for legacy, ranking supremacy, and personal redemption. Sabalenka aims to turn her 19‑match winning streak into a third consecutive US Open title, while Rybakina seeks to translate her recent successes into a maiden Grand Slam victory and cement her place at the summit of women’s tennis. Whatever the outcome, the encounter will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2024 season, showcasing the depth of talent, determination, and drama that make the sport so compelling.