Aryna Sabalenka fought back tears as she addressed the US Open crowd moments after suffering a 6-4 5-7 6-2 defeat to Elena Rybakina in Saturday's final.
Sabalenka arrived at Flushing Meadows as the world No. 1 and the two-time defending champion. Her unbeaten run at the tournament has now come to an end, and Rybakina has overtaken her in the rankings.
Three-peat bid falls short
Sabalenka had made clear that her only focus this fortnight was completing a three-peat in New York. She was one set away from becoming just the third woman in the Open Era to win the US Open three years in a row.
—
However, she was outplayed by Rybakina, who hit 36 winners on her way to victory.
