Would outlasting Sabalenka once more, on a Saturday in New York Metropolis, to thwart Sabalenka’s well-publicized try at a U.S. Open three-peat, compel Rybakina to at the least fall to the bottom, as per tennis custom? We’re not asking for a hardcourt snow angel over right here. However Rybakina’s 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Sabalenka in Saturday’s U.S. Open closing didn’t simply make her a first-time U.S. Open champion. By successful two majors this yr, Rybakina grew to become one of many standout world athletes, throughout sports activities, in 2026.
On Monday, she’ll take the world’s No. 1 rating from Sabalenka.
How a few mere leap, Elena?
Not right here, not now. Rybakina, 27, simply goes about her enterprise. She aced Sabalenka, once more, to clinch her third profession main on Saturday. She raised her arms, hugged Sabalenka on the web, and clapped her racket, gently, because the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd gave Rybakina her due. In a match marked by the “take a look at me” habits of influencers and different clout chasers—within the stands blocking walkways and at occasions interrupting on-court proceedings with murmurs and selfies—Rybakina despatched the alternative message. That strategy, mixed along with her 2026 efficiency, is definitely price our admiration.
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