Rybakina claims first US Open title, ends Sabalenka’s reign

Elena Rybakina has won her first US Open women’s singles title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in New York.

The victory delivered Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her second of the year. She also defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this season.

Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at the US Open and stopped her bid for a third consecutive title. Sabalenka had won the tournament in each of the previous two years.

ESPN reported that Rybakina was set to replace Sabalenka at the top of the women’s rankings the following week. The source material is unclear on the precise timing of that ranking change.

ESPN also reported that Rybakina earned $5.5 million, described as the largest prize in Grand Slam history, and that she joined Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva on three tour titles for the season.