US Open champ Rybakina reaches world No. 1

Elena Rybakina reached the top of the tennis world after winning her first US Open title, just weeks after an injury scare threatened her participation in the year’s final Grand Slam.

Kazakhstan’s Rybakina beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Saturday to claim her third Grand Slam title. She had already secured the world number one ranking by reaching the semi-finals.

“I can’t find words right now, honestly,” Rybakina said. “I don’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament. I’ve been dealing with a little bit with an injury, but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”

Rybakina injured her left heel during her Cincinnati quarter-final on 20 August and was initially unsure if she could compete in New York. An MRI showed the problem was serious, but she and her team developed a plan involving adjusted training, rest and treatment.

Her run included wins over Naomi Osaka, Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff before she overcame Sabalenka in their 18th meeting.

“I don’t know what the future will bring, but I hope success and some more wins,” she concluded.