From fire to ice: How Rybakina took the throne in New York

After an uncertain yet sensational couple of weeks in the US, Elena Rybakina leaves New York as the US Open champion, sealing her second grand slam title of the season. The win not only confirmed her status as a defining force in women’s tennis, but also propelled her to world number one for the first time in her career – a milestone that had once seemed unattainable given Aryna Sabalenka’s 107 week hold on the top spot. However, building on her earlier major title this season, this tournament has certainly illustrated her devastating baseline capabilities and persistent mental resilience, something of a threat to many of the other players on tour.

[Rybakina arrived] in New York unable to walk without pain after injuring her achilles

Throughout an unforgettable and historic week in New York, the Kazakhstani demonstrated her baseline dominance and mental toughness to close out the final 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, against the two time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The first set saw a surprising dip in Rybakina’s first serve percentage – a serve that has been widely regarded as the most technically complete on the women’s tour, illustrated by a first serve season average of 57.8%. However, as the first set unfolded, this figure sank to just 27%. Despite this early disruption, her unwavering composure meant she was able to challenge Sabalenka off her second serve, claiming control of baseline exchanges and ultimately dictating the first set. While her Belarusian opponent was able to secure a tight second set, it was Rybakina’s impressive composure and relentless consistency which began to frustrate Sabalenka.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the 27 year old. Arriving in New York unable to walk without pain after injuring her achilles during a quarter final match in Cincinnati against Iga Swiatek certainly cast doubt over her ability to compete in the tournament. Speaking on her preparation ahead of the US Open, Rybakina recalled not doing any on court training for a week after her stint in Cincinnati. However, daily recovery gym sessions and careful pacing in the early rounds of the tournament, meant she was able to come through her first four matches without dropping a set. This momentum carried through the rest of the tournament leading to her win over Olympic Champion Zheng Qiwen in the quarter final and US champion Coco Gauff in the semis.

I was so unlucky with the injury, but I’m very proud… I still can’t believe it

Elena Rybakina

After what can be described as a remarkable couple of weeks in New York, Rybakina is now just one Grand Slam title away from achieving a Career Grand Slam, an achievement which would place her alongside names like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Serena Williams. Reflecting on her time in New York Rybakina said: “I was so unlucky with the injury, but I’m very proud… I still can’t believe it.”

When asked if she thinks she’s playing the best tennis of her career, she replied: “From today’s match, yes, I can confidently say that today was a very good match in the level of focus I kept, especially against such a tough, experienced opponent.”

Other post match reflections note how her success comes at a time when women’s tennis is fluctuating considerably. Will this new era of women’s tennis be shaped by this emerging rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka, or will the rising wave of exciting young talent break through to state their claim at the very top of the sport?

One thing is for certain; Rybakina is markedly different to the louder personality of Sabalenka and many of the other women on tour, making the prospect of her tenure at the top ever more intriguing. Will she be able to mirror the longevity of her predecessor or will rising talent override Rybakina’s quieter, more measured presence?