Elena Rybakina has captured the US Open championship and achieved the world number one ranking, overcoming a debilitating foot injury that at one point made walking painful.
Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final on Saturday. This victory mirrors her earlier triumph over Sabalenka at the Australian Open in January.
The 27-year-old's path to the title was fraught with physical challenges. She aggravated a foot injury during her quarter-final match in Cincinnati against Iga Swiatek last month, just over a week before the US Open commenced. Despite the risk of further injury impacting her season, Rybakina was determined to compete in the final Grand Slam of the year, knowing the top ranking was within reach.
"I was so upset. I didn't know actually how it was going to be day by day," Rybakina stated. Upon arriving in New York, an MRI revealed the severity of the injury, which initially prevented her from walking without pain for several days.
Supported by a doctor in Australia and a strategic team, Rybakina developed a plan for recovery. She forewent on-court training for a week, focusing instead on daily gym sessions and activities like dining out and going to the cinema to maintain mental focus.
Rybakina's performance throughout the tournament was notable. She advanced through her initial four matches without losing a set, defeating four-time major champion Naomi Osaka among them. Her subsequent victories included overcoming Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals, outlasting third seed Coco Gauff in the semifinals, and ultimately defeating top seed Sabalenka in the final.
"I was so unlucky with the injury, but I'm very proud," Rybakina commented after her victory. "I still can't believe it."