Sabalenka smashes racket, hits ball into crowd after US Open defeat to Rybakina
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, securing her third Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka, visibly frustrated by the loss, engaged in outbursts including hitting a ball into the crowd and smashing her rackets.
Why it matters
This match marks a significant shift in women's tennis rankings and highlights the intense pressure and emotional toll of elite professional sports.
Elena Rybakina came to New York and took everything that had belonged to Aryna Sabalenka. First, it was the No. 1 ranking in women's tennis, then the US Open trophy.The tournament that for so long was a struggle for Rybakina turned into the site of her coronation.Elena Rybakina won her first US Open title on Saturday after beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final, completing a run that also took her to the No. 1 spot in the WTA rankings.Rybakina had already secured the top ranking from next week and also ended Sabalenka’s two-year reign as US Open champion.“It’s still so difficult to process what happened,” Rybakina said. “Too many achievements these few weeks.”The US Open title is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her second of the year.
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