From struggling to walk to lifting trophy - how Rybakina triumphed
Elena Rybakina overcame a severe foot injury to win the US Open and claim the world number one ranking. Despite being unable to walk without pain upon arrival, she navigated the tournament with a rigorous recovery plan to defeat top-tier competitors.
Why it matters
It showcases the intersection of elite athletic performance, medical management, and mental fortitude in professional sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Elena Rybakina has won two of the four Grand Slam singles titles available in 2026
Elena Rybakina arrived in New York unable to walk without pain after injuring her foot. She leaves the city as the US Open champion and new world number one.
Kazakhstan's Rybakina produced a brilliant performance to beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 in Saturday's final and repeat her Australian Open success against the same player in January.
Clutching the trophy on Saturday night, Rybakina reflected that "some magic is happening" for her after her difficult lead-in to the tournament.
The 27-year-old aggravated a foot injury during her quarter-final in Cincinnati against Iga Swiatek last month, a little over a week before the final major of the year began.
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