Jelena Rybakina wins US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka

Jelena Rybakina received the US Open trophy from tennis legend Maria Sharapova and kissed the trophy in front of golden pyrofountains for her first triumph in New York. The Kazakh won the final duel between the currently best players in the world with Aryna Sabalenka 6:4, 5:7, 6:2 and prevented the Belarusian from winning her third title in a row at the Grand Slam tournament.

“It’s difficult to find words,” said the 27-year-old, overwhelmed. “I have been coming here for the past ten years and have never been successful, not even close. It's just unbelievable." Rybakina will replace Sabalenka as world number one on Monday after 99 weeks in a row.

Sabalenka congratulates in tears

In front of numerous show stars such as actor Brad Pitt, singer Pink and Paris Hilton, Sabalenka made too many unnecessary mistakes to become the third player in the history of professional tennis to celebrate her third US Open title in a row. Before her, only the Americans Serena Williams (2012-2014) and Chris Evert (1975-1978) had achieved this.

"I'm disappointed, of course, but I want to congratulate you on an incredible year," Sabalenka said to Rybakina through tears. The support of Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam and US influencer Jake Paul with their support in the stands didn't help either.

Rybakina was also able to prevail in the final of the Australian Open at the beginning of the tennis season. For the usual stoic Kazakh, it is the third Grand Slam title of her career.

“It will be a physically and mentally difficult match,” said Sabalenka about her expectations. And right from the start, both relied on their proven power tennis. Rybakina created the first two break chances, Sabalenka fended them off and celebrated with a loud “Let's Go”.

Sabalenka frustrated

But overall, the Belarusian made too many inaccuracies. With a double fault, she gave up her serve for the first time to make it 2:3, hit the ball into the stands in frustration and received a warning.

Rybakina was also nervous at times. However, after 44 minutes, the Kazakh secured the first set despite only hitting 27 percent of her serves. Sabalenka sullenly strode into the dressing room with her tennis bag on her shoulder, Rybakina chatted longer with her coaching team.

Stars in the stands thrilled

Sabalenka temporarily hid her head under a white towel during a break - the isolation in the noisy Arthur Ashe Stadium seemed to help. The Belarusian's shots became more precise, overall she now played more variably and made several successful stops. In the stands, superstars like Pitt also applauded enthusiastically when they scored spectacular points.

With the score at 5:4, Sabalenka lost two set points. A good quarter of an hour later she did better, winning the round with a cracking backhand on the return.

But Rybakina was unimpressed and managed the early break. Sabalenka started complaining again when her opponent won points and was busy with herself. Both players appeared to be slightly physically weakened, Rybakina continued to pull away and completed the triumph with an ace.