The women's Grand Slam season will conclude Saturday with a final featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, a rematch of a previous major championship. Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, is set to face Rybakina, who is slated to ascend to the top ranking, in a battle for the U.S. Open title.
Sabalenka expressed her determination for the match. "I want to go all the way," she said. "The mentality was just, I’m ready. I’m ready for whatever it’s going to take to get the win."
She anticipates a challenging contest. "It’s going to be [a] really tough match. She’s a big server. She really improved over the years on the baseline game, so it’s going to be [a] physically and mentally tough match. But, as I said, I’m ready for the fight. I’m ready to do everything to get the win, so I’m excited for that match."
Sabalenka has a strong record at the U.S. Open, aiming for her third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows. This marks her eighth consecutive Grand Slam hardcourt final, a streak unmatched in the Open Era for men or women. Her current 19-match winning streak at the U.S. Open dates back to her loss in the 2023 final to Coco Gauff.
Rybakina secured her spot in the final by defeating Coco Gauff in the semifinals, while Sabalenka advanced by beating Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal.
"I just love New York and I love being here, and I love the energy of the city. That’s what drives me. That’s what really inspires me and pushes me to keep going," Sabalenka said about her success in New York.
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, noted that New York's hardcourts suit Sabalenka's game style. He also highlighted her increased maturity and ability to manage external pressures, which have contributed to her success.
This final represents Rybakina's pursuit of her second major title this year, having previously defeated Sabalenka at the Australian Open. The two players have developed a notable rivalry.
They have met 17 times on the WTA Tour, with Sabalenka leading the head-to-head record 10-7. Saturday's match will be their third encounter in a Grand Slam final, with each having won one of the previous two.
Rybakina acknowledged the difficulty of playing Sabalenka. "We played many times. She’s a very aggressive player. It’s difficult to play with her, mentally, physically, because she has big game, big serve," Rybakina stated. "I will need to come with all the energy I’ll have, bring my best serve against Aryna, and make the right decisions in the right moment, because most of the times it’s tight, tight score. This is where the decision makes a difference."
This marks the fourth time the two players have met this year and the eighth time since the beginning of 2025. While Sabalenka has won their recent hardcourt finals at Indian Wells and Miami, Rybakina has claimed victories in significant matches, including last year's WTA Finals and the Australian Open final earlier this year.
"It’s [an] important match. And since it’s a final, honestly, I feel like it doesn’t matter who is on the other side, you just want to win and do your best," Rybakina said. "We push each other when we play these matches, and you clearly can see on what you need to work more. That’s great that you play against someone who pushes you til the limits."
Former professional Max Mirnyi, who is consulting for Sabalenka, commented on the high level of play between the two athletes. "We’re dealing with the two best players in the last couple of years…Their results and rankings and titles speak for themselves," Mirnyi said. "When they see each other across the net, that brings the best in each one of them."
Mirnyi also noted Sabalenka's comfort in high-pressure situations. "(Sabalenka) certainly fits well with New York. … She fits perfectly for this environment. She likes this circumstance of being the glamor girl and having the spotlight on her, dealing with the pressures of the night sessions. She thrives in this pressure. That’s why she has been successful. We’re hopeful there’s still one more fight in her left."
