Aryna Sabalenka, the two‑time defending champion, arrives at Flushing Meadows 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 is the newly crowned world No.
1, Elena Rybakina, who will be seeking her maiden US Open victory and a historic ascent to the top of the WTA rankings. Rybakina’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular.
After defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, she amassed enough points to overtake the Belarusian in the rankings on Monday, ending Sabalenka’s 99‑week tenure at the summit. Yet the story is far from settled; the US Open final offers Sabalenka a chance for redemption, both for the Australian loss and for losing the No. 1 spot, while Rybakina hopes to cement her new status with a Grand Slam title. Sabalenka’s résumé places her among an elite group.
Since 1988, only four world No. 1 players—Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis—have reached at least five Grand Slam finals while holding the top ranking. Sabalenka now joins that company as she steps onto her ninth major final, riding a 19‑match winning streak in New York.
Her US Open record over the past five years reads 36‑3, and she has reached eight straight hard‑court major finals, notching seven top‑10 victories this season alone. All of these statistics underscore the magnitude of a potential three‑peat. "I really understand how tough it is to become world No.
1," Sabalenka said in a recent 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 the lead and played brilliantly. I can only focus on myself, stay in the moment and give my best, hoping to take it back from her. It feels strange to win a tournament yet lose the number one spot, but that’s sport.
I love that. The beauty of sport is everyone chasing each other, improving on the little things, and getting better." Rybakina, the first Kazakhstani to reach world No. 1, echoed a similar mindset.
"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 explained. "I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself; the rankings are so close. Even if something goes wrong, there are plenty of tournaments left this year. Playing against someone like Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me where I need to improve." Both athletes acknowledge the mental and physical demands of a New York final.
Sabalenka admitted earlier in the tournament that she would rather secure a third US Open title than simply retain the No. 1 ranking. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her self‑belief: "Aryna is remembering who she is—very aligned with herself.
She knows what she’s capable of. On a big stage, she knows she must step up. This is her house, and the other players are guests; it’s time for them to leave." Former Belarusian star Max Mirnyi added perspective on Sabalenka’s fit for the tournament: "We can see her improving as the event progresses. She thrives under the spotlight, especially during night sessions.
That pressure fuels her success, and she seems perfectly suited to New York’s atmosphere." Rybakina’s path to the final was equally dramatic. She rallied past Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, showcasing the resilience that has defined her season. The two competitors have already met in a Grand Slam final once before, when Sabalenka prevailed at the 2023 Australian Open.
Rybakina’s victory there balanced the scoreline, setting the stage for a compelling rematch on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. The final promises a clash of styles: Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline power versus Rybakina’s fluid movement and powerful serve. Both have demonstrated the ability to dominate long rallies and to shift momentum with decisive winners. The match will also be a test of endurance, as the US Open’s summer heat and the pressure of a historic moment can sap even the fittest athletes.
For fans, the showdown will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m. on Saturday, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app.
The tournament continues to draw global attention, and the final could be a defining moment for either player’s legacy. If Sabalenka succeeds, she will join the very exclusive club of women who have won three consecutive US Open titles—a feat last accomplished by Serena Williams.
If Rybakina prevails, she will not only claim her first US Open crown but also solidify her position as the new world No. 1, confirming that her rise was no fluke.
Regardless of the outcome, the match epitomizes the competitive spirit of women’s tennis: two top‑seeded athletes pushing each other to the brink, each aware that a single point could tip the scales of history. The world will be watching as these two champions vie for glory, prestige, and a place in the record books. The drama, the stakes, and the quality of play promise a final that will be remembered for years to come.