Aryna Sabalenka has congratulated Elena Rybakina on her US Open triumph again, after suffering a bruising 6-4 5-7 6-2 defeat in Saturday’s final. Sabalenka came in as the top seed and two-time defending champion, but Rybakina wrecked her hopes of pulling off a three-peat in Flushing Meadows, and looked clinical as she lifted a third Major trophy.
Sabalenka’s frustration and message
Sabalenka was understandably upset after suffering her first defeat here since 2023. She broke her racket immediately after the match, and then told a camera operator to “f*** off” when they got too close while she was sitting courtside with her team, waiting for the trophy ceremony.
But the four-time Grand Slam champion has now had some time to digest that loss, and sent a sweet message to Rybakina, commending her performance. “not the ending I dreamed of… today hurts, but tomorrow we start again,” wrote on Instagram on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the final.
“congratulations @lenarybakina on an amazing tournament and performance last night. just incredible tennis. new york, thank you for the love, energy and unmatched atmosphere. playing here is always so special. I’ll see you next year, hungry for more…”
Runner-up speech and rivalry
Sabalenka had paid tribute to Rybakina during her runner-up speech, though she had to fight back tears as she addressed the crowd, and said a speech was “the last thing” she wanted to do. “Obviously, I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result. Well deserved. Enjoy it, have fun tonight, tomorrow, and until the end of the season, so I can play and win some titles! Thank you,” she joked.
The world No. 1, who will relinquish that spot to Rybakina on Monday and drop to No. 2, also explained just how tough it was to face the 27-year-old after the match. “We have a great rivalry,” Sabalenka added. “We play a lot of great matches, great finals this season. Yeah, her serve is amazing, the way she able to step in and overpower you on court, and especially if it's a US Open court where it's super fast, definitely huge advantage for her. A lot of things makes her dangerous.”
Rybakina’s response
Rybakina also had some kind words for Sabalenka after claiming her first US Open crown. “I just want to say, Aryna, you’re a big champion,” she said during her victory speech. “It’s so difficult to play against you! You push [me] to such a limit. I was diving on the court and just trying to get all the possible balls, and yeah, just congrats to you for all the achievements, congrats to your team, you guys do an amazing job, really.”
