Elena Rybakina returned to the public spotlight in New York with the US Open trophy and the WTA World No. 1 award in hand, two days after claiming her third major title and completing a defining fortnight in the draw.
New York title completes another comeback run
Rybakina secured the No. 1 ranking during her quarter-final victory over Zheng Qinwen, recovering from a set behind to reach the last four. She then overturned another deficit against Coco Gauff, who had arrived at the match in outstanding form.
The championship match against Aryna Sabalenka also went the distance. Rybakina lost the second set but regained control in the decider, repeating the pattern of her Australian Open final victory over Sabalenka.
- US Open champion: Elena Rybakina
- New ranking: WTA World No. 1
- Major titles now held: Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open
- WTA Finals status: First player qualified for the season-ending event at Indian Wells
- Final opponent in New York: Aryna Sabalenka
Detail over distraction in the final
During media appearances on Monday, Rybakina described how she manages the tension of a major final. Rather than looking too far ahead in a rally or dwelling on the occasion, she said she narrows her attention to the immediate task.
“There are many thoughts in your head, but I try to switch off and concentrate on every movement,” Rybakina said. “On serve, I count internally because timing matters. I focus on small details and take it point by point.”
She also discussed the significance of the title for Kazakhstan while appearing with both her US Open trophy and the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz World No. 1 trophy.
Career Grand Slam enters the conversation
With titles on the hard courts of Melbourne and New York and the grass of Wimbledon, Rybakina has made no secret of the next major objective: adding the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam across all four surfaces.
“It would mean everything,” she said. “Winning all four majors on different surfaces is such a special achievement. That is the next target I will pursue with my team.”
The season still has significant points and silverware available through the Asian swing and the WTA Finals, where Rybakina will seek to defend her title. Her next scheduled tournament is the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, which begins on September 30.
Next stop in the draw
| Event | Category | Location | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Open | WTA 1000 | Beijing, China | September 30 |
SEO Title: Elena Rybakina Begins World No. 1 Reign After US Open Title
SEO Description: Elena Rybakina reflects on beating Aryna Sabalenka for the US Open crown, reaching World No. 1 and targeting a career Grand Slam before the China Open.
