Tag: Flushing Meadows

Rybakina Beats Sabalenka to Win First US Open Title
Key Highlights
- Elena Rybakina captured her first US Open title by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
- The victory marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam singles championship overall.
- Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive US Open crown.
Rybakina Triumphs at Flushing Meadows for Maiden US Open Title

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina has claimed the 2024 US Open women’s singles championship, overcoming Aryna Sabalenka in the final to secure her first title at Flushing Meadows. The victory represents a significant milestone for the 25-year-old, who adds the American hard-court major to her previous Grand Slam triumphs at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year.

Ending Sabalenka’s Title Defense

Rybakina’s path to the trophy required toppling the tournament’s most dominant recent performer. Sabalenka entered the final as the two-time defending champion, having captured the US Open crown in both 2022 and 2023. The Belarusian’s bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to win three straight US Open titles was halted by Rybakina’s powerful baseline game and composed serving under pressure.

Third Major Crown Completes Surface Sweep

With this win, Rybakina becomes one of the few active players to hold Grand Slam titles on all three major surfaces: grass (Wimbledon 2022), hard court (Australian Open 2024, US Open 2024), and now a second distinct hard-court major. The achievement underscores her versatility and cements her status among the elite of the women’s game. Rybakina’s 2024 season now features two major championships, signaling a return to peak form after injury interruptions earlier in her career.

Why This Matters

Rybakina’s victory reshapes the narrative at the top of the WTA Tour. By denying Sabalenka a historic three-peat, she reasserts herself as a primary contender for the year-end No. 1 ranking and establishes a compelling rivalry with the Belarusian on the sport’s biggest stages. The result also highlights the depth of the current women’s field, where multiple players possess the weapons to win on any surface. For the US Open, the crowning of a first-time champion in New York continues a trend of diverse winners, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation for producing fresh narratives each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Grand Slam titles does Elena Rybakina now have?

Elena Rybakina has won three Grand Slam singles titles: Wimbledon in 2022, the Australian Open in 2024, and the US Open in 2024.

Was Aryna Sabalenka attempting to win her third consecutive US Open?

Yes, Aryna Sabalenka was the two-time defending champion, having won the US Open in 2022 and 2023, and was bidding for a third straight title.

What is significant about Rybakina winning the US Open?

This is Rybakina’s first US Open title. Combined with her previous majors, she now holds Grand Slam trophies on grass and hard courts, demonstrating her all-surface prowess.
09/13/2026
Elena Rybakina Wins US Open 2026 Title After Pre-Tournament Injury

Elena Rybakina Wins US Open Title, Claims World No. 1 Ranking After Injury Comeback

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina arrived at Flushing Meadows barely able to walk. She departed as the 2024 US Open champion and the new WTA world No. 1.

Rybakina Overcomes Sabalenka in Three-Set Final

Rybakina produced a masterclass performance on Saturday, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. The victory mirrors their Australian Open final in January, where Rybakina also triumphed over the Belarusian.

Clutching the trophy on Saturday night, Rybakina reflected that some magic is happening for her after a tumultuous lead-in to the final Grand Slam of the year.

Foot Injury Threatened Tournament Participation

The 27-year-old aggravated a foot injury during her Cincinnati quarter-final against Iga Swiatek last month, barely a week before the US Open began. Playing through the issue risked long-term consequences for her season, but with the top ranking within reach, Rybakina opted to compete.

I was so upset. I didn’t know actually how it was going to be day by day, she said. We arrived in New York and did an MRI. It didn’t look that great.

I couldn’t even walk for the next few days without pain.

Strategic Recovery Plan Pays Off

Rybakina credited a coordinated medical effort for her turnaround. I was lucky enough to have a very good doctor in Australia. She was on the phone with us all the time and somehow, with the team, we made a plan.

The plan involved zero on-court training for a week. Instead, daily recovery sessions in the gym—combined with trips for dinner and to the cinema to switch the mind—prepared her body and mindset for a deep run.

Dominant Path to the Title

Rybakina won her first four matches without dropping a set, dismissing four-time major champion Naomi Osaka. Her subsequent run was historic: she toppled Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals, outlasted third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, and outplayed top seed Sabalenka in the championship match.

I was so unlucky with the injury, but I’m very proud, Rybakina said. I still can’t believe it.

09/13/2026
US Open 2026: Alfie Hewett wins fifth men’s wheelchair singles title in New York

Britain’s Alfie Hewett captured his fifth US Open men’s wheelchair singles title on Sunday, defeating top seed Tokito Oda 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) in the final at Flushing Meadows. The victory denied the Japanese star a calendar-year Grand Slam sweep in 2026 and added to the doubles crown Hewett secured alongside fellow Briton Gordon Reid on Friday.

Redemption after Wimbledon heartbreak

The 28-year-old entered the final having lost to Oda in the championship matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season. At SW19, Hewett managed just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 defeat, while Oda also triumphed at January’s Australian Open to complete the first three legs of the calendar-year Grand Slam.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hewett revealed that his Wimbledon loss prompted deep self-reflection. He said it made him “look in the mirror” and led to a period of reflection where he wanted to “be a little bit more like me” as he chased an 11th Grand Slam singles title.

Hewett reclaims his aggressive identity

“I’m known for being just as fearless, brave and courageous in big moments and I felt I was everything but that in Wimbledon,” Hewett said. “I was quiet, I was timid, I was a shell of myself.”

“I think I have had six weeks of champing at the bit to come out and prove to myself that I can be more like that person.”

Dominant start and dramatic finish

Hewett described his first-set performance as “possessed.” After saving a break point in the opening game, he produced a commanding display to take the opener 6-0, capped by a superb backhand return winner.

The second set proved far tighter. Oda built a double-break lead and held three set points to force a decider, but Hewett fought back to force a tie-break, where he ultimately prevailed 7-5 to seal the championship.

Oda gracious in defeat

Oda, who arrived in New York having won the previous six Grand Slam singles titles, acknowledged the magnitude of the missed opportunity during the on-court ceremony.

“Definitely I was trying to get the calendar year [Grand Slam] this year. This was the last part of it so it’s really tough for me, but I think Alfie deserved it today.”

09/12/2026
Elena Rybakina Beats Coco Gauff, Sets Up US Open 2026 Final vs. Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka extended her dominance at Flushing Meadows, securing a spot in the US Open final with a commanding victory over Jessica Pegula. The world number two has not tasted defeat in New York since losing the 2023 championship match to Coco Gauff, but questions surrounded her title defense following a disappointing summer swing.

Sabalenka Rediscovers Form After Summer Slump

After capturing the “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami in March, Sabalenka stumbled with a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros and a fourth-round loss at Wimbledon. However, the Belarusian has rediscovered her best tennis on the American hard courts, dropping just a single set throughout the fortnight.

Desperation Fuels Final Push

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka revealed the mental edge driving her run.

“I was super desperate,” Sabalenka said after her win over Pegula.

“It feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like a last push of the season. I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way.”

Clinical Second Set Seals Victory

The match began tensely. Sabalenka struggled with unforced errors early in the opening set while Pegula settled quickly, striking the ball cleanly. The four-time major champion eventually found her rhythm, striking decisively at 6-5 to claim the first set. From there, Sabalenka elevated her power game to another level.

Pegula appeared helpless in the second set as Sabalenka raced through it, pounding 29 winners to her opponent’s 12.

Historic Hard-Court Consistency

The victory wrote another page in the record books. Sabalenka broke the Open Era record for the most consecutive Grand Slam hard-court finals, reaching the championship match on her favored surface at every major dating back to the 2023 Australian Open.

Pegula’s Major Drought Continues

For 32-year-old Pegula, the only semi-finalist without a Grand Slam title, it marks another painful US Open exit at the hands of a long-time rival. Sabalenka denied the third seed a maiden major in the 2024 final and defeated her in last year’s semi-finals, though Pegula had won their most recent encounter at the Berlin Open in June.

Pegula offered gracious praise for her conqueror’s performance.

“I do think she probably would have beaten 99% of people,” Pegula said.

“Probably the best match she’s played this year.”

09/10/2026
‘What is she wearing?’: Taylor Townsend’s bold US Open outfit vs. Sabalenka stuns fans

Taylor Townsend’s Bold Fashion Statement Steals Spotlight Before US Open Showdown With Aryna Sabalenka

Before striking a single ball in her fourth-round clash against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Townsend captured the attention of Arthur Ashe Stadium spectators and social media with a dramatic all-black entrance ensemble that quickly became a talking point at the 2024 US Open.

Townsend’s Feathered Hooded Look Goes Viral

The American arrived on court wearing a flowing, feathered black outfit complete with a hood pulled over her head, creating an immediate visual spectacle. Photos and videos of the entrance spread rapidly across social platforms, generating a mixture of amusement, criticism, and disbelief from fans. Commentary ranged from questioning the unconventional aesthetic to comparisons with mysterious fictional characters and even the legendary Sasquatch.

Fashion Takes Center Stage at Flushing Meadows

Townsend’s entrance added another chapter to an increasingly fashion-forward US Open, where players are using their on-court wardrobes to express personality and individuality rather than adhering strictly to traditional tennis attire. The 30-year-old, who has become one of the most recognizable American players on the circuit, has embraced fashion throughout her time in New York. Beyond her match-day looks, she has been involved in designing clothing and hosted a pop-up shop in Brooklyn ahead of this year’s tournament.

Sabalenka and Osaka Continue Style Narrative

Townsend was far from the only player attracting wardrobe attention at Flushing Meadows. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka repeatedly made headlines with unconventional designs during the tournament, including basketball-inspired ensembles and eye-catching orange-and-black combinations. The defending champion initially turned heads with a black basketball-style outfit featuring a bright orange sports bra and matching briefs, later rotating through an all-orange version before returning to another black look.

Naomi Osaka continued her reputation for bold Grand Slam fashion, appearing in outfits featuring oversized layers, dramatic silhouettes, and distinctive tailoring. A striking white ensemble with a long overshirt decorated with tennis-racket details exemplified her approach, though the trailing fabric occasionally created practical challenges — notably catching around her feet as she approached the net for a coin toss.

Townsend’s Run Ends in Fourth Round

The fashion headlines preceded one of the biggest matches of Townsend’s tournament. The 30-year-old reached the round of 16 after overcoming Diana Shnaider in a three-set battle, earning her place among the final 16 players in the women’s singles draw.

Standing in her way was a formidable opponent in Sabalenka, the top seed chasing a third consecutive US Open title. The match itself produced plenty of on-court drama following the pre-match fashion buzz. The opening five games featured five breaks of serve, with Sabalenka eventually taking control to lead 4-2 before securing the first set 6-4.

Townsend responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sabalenka to establish a 3-1 advantage. However, the American couldn’t maintain her momentum. Sabalenka answered by winning five consecutive games, turning the set around and completing a 6-4, 6-3 victory to reach the quarterfinals.

While Sabalenka ultimately had the final say on the scoreboard, Townsend ensured she made her presence felt before the match even began, reinforcing the US Open’s evolving identity as a stage for both elite tennis and personal expression.

09/06/2026
US Open 2026: Naomi Osaka Pays Homage to NBA Star Allen Iverson in New York Outfit

Naomi Osaka’s performance during Monday night’s session was less polished, but the Japanese 13th seed dug deep to defeat Anastasia Zakharova and reach the second round.

The former world No. 1, who won the US Open at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and 2020, made a strong start before facing a determined fightback from Zakharova.

Osaka broke serve at the first opportunity to move 2-0 ahead in the opening set. Although she could not convert another chance to take a 4-0 lead, she appeared comfortable after moving 5-2 in front.

Zakharova responded with resilience, forcing the set into a tie-break. The 22-year-old also recovered from another early break in the second set, but Osaka’s powerful serve proved decisive.

Osaka established a commanding 5-1 lead in the second tie-break and completed the victory shortly before 00:30 local time, avoiding the need for a deciding set.

Osaka will face Czech Republic player Katerina Siniakova in the second round and promised fans another surprise with her outfit.

“I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits,” she said.

“I love expressing myself through clothes – because I don’t like talking too much.”

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

09/01/2026
US Open 2026 Results: Novak Djokovic’s Tearful Exit Raises Fresh Questions About Tennis Great’s Future

Novak Djokovic has repeatedly silenced doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. But his latest US Open defeat has raised fresh questions about the 39-year-old’s future after an emotional first-round exit in New York.

Djokovic was once again challenged to prove himself after falling outside the world’s top 20 during a two-year drought without a major title in 2018. He responded by winning four of the next five Grand Slam tournaments, taking his total to 12 majors over the following six years.

Djokovic suffers emotional US Open defeat

Three years have passed since Djokovic won his men’s record 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open. On Sunday night, however, the Serbian struggled to find a response as he fought back tears during his latest match at Flushing Meadows.

Facing the prospect of his first opening-round Grand Slam defeat since 2006, one of the greatest players in tennis history was beaten 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 by Argentina’s Navone.

Djokovic has spent years defying the effects of time and, at times, appeared to be improving with age. That was evident at this year’s Wimbledon, where he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime, 14 years his junior, in a five-set quarter-final that became the longest in the tournament’s history.

Even in his late 30s, Djokovic remained one of the players capable of challenging Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the leading forces in men’s tennis.

At the Australian Open in January, Djokovic ended Sinner’s bid for a third consecutive title with a remarkable five-set comeback victory. He then took the opening set against Alcaraz in the final before fading to a four-set defeat.

Australian Open may be Djokovic’s best remaining chance

Following early exits in Paris and New York, there is an inevitable sense that Melbourne represented Djokovic’s strongest opportunity to win an outright record 25th major title and add another landmark to a career unmatched by almost every statistical measure.

Djokovic was despondent after the match, saying he “despised every moment I spent on the court for that”.

“When it comes to the match itself, and the overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable,” Djokovic said.

“But, from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible.”

“I’m very sorry that I didn’t perform as well as I should have, could have, or wanted – for them.”

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

09/01/2026