Additional Coverage:
Aryna Sabalenka’s frustration was on full display following her loss to Elena Rybakina in the US Open final, culminating in the Belarusian smashing her racket so forcefully that ESPN’s broadcast zoomed in on the shattered remains.
Rybakina emerged victorious with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win, capturing her first US Open title and a record $5.5 million prize. Despite Sabalenka’s fierce comeback in the second set to push the match to a decider, her emotions seemed to unravel during the final stretch.
The tension was evident early on, as Sabalenka received a code violation for ball abuse after an angry reaction to an early break. Throughout the match, she cycled through multiple rackets, frequently tossing or dropping them, but it was after the match ended that her frustration escalated into full racket destruction.
In contrast to Sabalenka’s emotional intensity, Rybakina maintained a composed demeanor at Arthur Ashe Stadium, showing little reaction point-to-point. It wasn’t until securing the championship that Rybakina’s relief and joy surfaced in a broad smile.
Despite her disappointment, Sabalenka graciously congratulated Rybakina on court and held back tears during her post-match interview. She expressed gratitude to fans, sponsors, and her team, acknowledging the support she felt throughout the tournament and vowing to return stronger next year.
Rybakina, who had never advanced past the US Open quarterfinals before, shared her delight in achieving this milestone and her growing affection for New York. “I want to say thank you, of course, to such beautiful spectators for an amazing atmosphere,” she said.
“I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful, nothing close to that. It’s just incredible.
I’m falling in love with New York more and more. This is an amazing memory for me.”
The dramatic final showcased the emotional highs and lows of top-tier tennis, with Rybakina’s breakthrough triumph standing in stark contrast to Sabalenka’s visible frustration.