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.