Aryna Sabalenka, who has defended her US Open title for two consecutive years, is on the brink of making history. If she can win this weekend’s final, she will become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to pull off a "three‑peat" at Flushing Meadows.

Her opponent, the newly crowned world number one Elena Rybakina, is equally eager to capture her maiden US Open trophy and cement her ascent to the top of the women’s game. Rybakina’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. She opened the year by defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, a victory that propelled her to the summit of the WTA rankings on Monday, ending the Belarusian’s 99‑week reign at No. 1.

Despite that loss, Sabalenka has shown remarkable resilience throughout the US Open, riding a 19‑match winning streak in New York and a 36‑3 record at the tournament over the past five years. She now stands on the threshold of her ninth Grand Slam final, having already reached five or more major finals as a world No. 1—a distinction shared only with legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.

The final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and the stakes could not be higher. Sabalenka is chasing a historic three‑peat, while Rybakina is looking to prove that her recent surge to the top of the rankings is no fluke. The match also marks the first time since Williams beat Victoria Azarenka in 2013 that the two top seeds have met in a US Open final.

Sabalenka’s perspective on the situation is both pragmatic and determined. She said, "I really understand how tough it is to reach world No. 1. It takes a lot of work and, yes, that was one of my goals, but right now there isn’t much I can do about the ranking.

I didn’t perform as well in the middle of the season, and Elena took over 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 lose the number one spot while still playing well, but that’s the beauty of sport – everyone is chasing everyone, and it’s about the little improvements that make the difference." Rybakina, the first Kazakh player ever to become world No. 1, echoed a similar calm confidence.

She remarked, "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 do your best. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself because the rankings are so close. Even if something goes wrong in the final, I still have other opportunities and tournaments for the rest of the year.

Playing against someone like Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me where I need to improve. That’s great – you grow when you’re tested by the best." Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka admitted that a third US Open title mattered more to her than retaining the world No.

1 ranking. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, explained, "Aryna is remembering who she is – she’s very aligned with her identity as a champion. She knows what she’s capable of, and when she steps onto a big stage against a player like Jess Pegula, she knows she has to raise her level. She just has to show up and own the court.

No disrespect to anyone, but this is her house and the other players are guests – it’s time for them to leave." Former Belarusian star Max Mirnyi, who peaked at world No. 18, added his perspective on Sabalenka’s form: "We can see she’s improving as the tournament progresses.

She thrives in New York’s atmosphere, loves the spotlight and the pressure of night sessions. That pressure fuels her success." Rybakina’s path to the final was equally dramatic.

She rallied past Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, showcasing the mental toughness and shot‑making ability that have become her trademarks. The two women have already faced each other in two Grand Slam finals: Sabalenka won the 2023 Australian Open decider, while Rybakina turned the tables in Melbourne earlier this year. Their rivalry has become one of the sport’s most compelling narratives, with each match offering a blend of power, precision and strategic nuance. Beyond the on‑court drama, the final carries broader significance for the WTA Tour.

Rybakina’s ascent to world No. 1 reflects the growing global diversity of women’s tennis, while Sabalenka’s quest for a three‑peat underscores the durability and consistency required to dominate at the highest level.

Fans can expect a contest that blends raw power – both players regularly hit winners from the baseline – with tactical depth, as each seeks to exploit the other’s weaknesses. The match will be streamed on Sky Sports, with additional viewing options available via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans worldwide to watch without a contract.

For those attending in person, the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows is expected to be electric, with the night sessions providing a dramatic backdrop for what could become a historic moment in tennis. In summary, Saturday’s US Open final pits a two‑time defending champion against a newly crowned world No.

1, each with a clear narrative: Sabalenka aims to etch her name alongside Serena Williams by achieving a rare three‑peat, while Rybakina looks to capture her first US Open title and validate her rapid rise to the top of the rankings. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to deliver high‑quality tennis, intense rivalry, and a showcase of the sport’s enduring appeal.