Elena Rybakina holds the trophy after she won the women's singles final of the US Open against Aryna Sabalenka. (AP Photo) Elena Rybakina arrived in New York with the world No.

1 ranking already within reach. She left with something even bigger — the US Open trophy and a place at the summit of women's tennis.

Rybakina completed her coronation in emphatic fashion on Saturday, beating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory delivered the Kazakh her first US Open title, her third Grand Slam crown and her second major of the year.

The 27-year-old had already secured enough ranking points to replace Sabalenka at No. 1 next week simply by reaching the semifinals.

“It’s tough to find words right now, honestly,” Rybakina said after the win. “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.” The triumph also completed a remarkable hard-court double for Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year.

She now needs only the French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, having already won Wimbledon in 2022. Rybakina keeps her cool as Sabalenka faltersThe final had all the ingredients of another classic between the world's top two players, but Rybakina's trademark composure ultimately proved decisive.

The second seed immediately put pressure on Sabalenka's serve and created 12 break opportunities, converting three. Rybakina, the WTA Tour's leading ace hitter, struggled to find her usual rhythm on first serve, landing less than half of them in play, but compensated with relentless returning and clean ball-striking.

Sabalenka's frustration surfaced early. After double-faulting to hand Rybakina a 3-2 lead in the opening set, she smashed a ball into the stands and received a code violation.

Rybakina then held her nerve to take the first set 6-4. Sabalenka responded in the second, raising her aggression and finally finding a way through Rybakina's defences.

After the Kazakh saved two break points while serving at 4-4, Sabalenka created another opportunity in the next game and this time converted it to level the match. But Rybakina regained control in the deciding set.