Elena Rybakina overcomes foot injury to win US Open

Elena Rybakina arrived in New York for the US Open unable to walk without pain. She leaves as the champion and new world number one after defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in Saturday's final.

The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan aggravated a foot injury during her quarter-final at the Cincinnati Open last month. An MRI scan upon arrival in New York showed the injury was serious. Rybakina told reporters she was upset and did not know how her recovery would progress day by day. She credited an Australian doctor and her team for devising a plan that involved no on-court training for a week, instead focusing on gym recovery sessions and mental breaks like going to the cinema.

Rybakina's path to the title was commanding. She won her first four matches at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set, a run that included a victory over four-time major winner Naomi Osaka. She then beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals and outlasted third seed Coco Gauff in the semis.

Composed performance in the final

The final against Sabalenka had extra significance, with Rybakina confirmed to replace the Belarusian as world number one. Rybakina won the first set despite landing only 27% of her first serves. She still won 22 of 30 points behind her serve and did not face a break point. Sabalenka broke in the 12th game of the second set to force a decider, but Rybakina dominated the third.

Former British number one Annabel Croft, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, described Rybakina's demeanor. "The way she quietly walks around, she doesn't really lift her head up and she gives no emotion away whatsoever," Croft said. "Rybakina is like a machine out there."

Nerves briefly surfaced as Rybakina served for the championship, resulting in two double faults. At match point, however, she sealed her third Grand Slam title with her 12th ace of the match.

Path to the top ranking

Rybakina will become the 30th different woman to top the WTA rankings. Annabel Croft believes she has the right personality to handle the pressure. "There are going to be a lot of players around her nipping at her heels," Croft said. "But when it really matters, we've seen her be able to bring it to the table."

Rybakina has now won three of the four Grand Slam titles, only missing the French Open. She has never been past the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, though she did win a WTA 1000 event on clay in Rome in 2023.

Former British player Laura Robson, speaking to reporters, praised Rybakina's all-court ability. "She is an all-surface player - clay is the worst one, but when you get her on something that's quite lively or quick, she's unplayable at times," Robson said. "I genuinely think she will win many more Slams."

Clutching the trophy, Rybakina reflected on her unexpected triumph. "Some magic is happening," she said. "I was so unlucky with the injury, but I'm very proud. I still can't believe it."