Rybakina claims maiden Grand Slam title at US Open, reaches world No. 1

Rybakina proved too steady for Sabalenka in the final, dispatching her opponent 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on the New York hardcourts. The 24-year-old's composed display of tennis proved decisive against the volatile Sabalenka, who struggled to find consistency throughout the match.

The victory marks a breakthrough moment for Rybakina, who has long been regarded as a talent with immense potential following her breakthrough semifinal run at Wimbledon in 2022. Her ascent to world No. 1 reflects a steady climb through the rankings over the past season.

Sabalenka, seeded second in the tournament, came into the final as one of the year's dominant forces on hard courts. However, she could not replicate her earlier performances, allowing Rybakina to control critical moments throughout the match. The Belarusian won the second set to briefly threaten a comeback, but Rybakina regained her composure in the decisive third set.

With the championship, Rybakina joins an elite group of women's tennis players to secure Grand Slam glory while simultaneously reaching the summit of the world rankings in the same tournament.