Elena Rybakina has climbed to world No 1 after winning the US Open, capping a dominant run over Aryna Sabalenka, though questions persist over her partnership with coach Stefano Vukov.
Key facts
- Elena Rybakina won the US Open final, defeating Aryna Sabalenka.
- Rybakina has risen to world No 1.
- She also beat Sabalenka in the Australian Open final this year.
- Her coach, Stefano Vukov, was previously banned and remains under scrutiny.
- Rybakina beat Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last November.
Elena Rybakina has joined the elite of women’s tennis by winning the US Open and rising to world No 1, according to the Guardian. Her ascent has been built on a series of dominant performances against her chief rival, Aryna Sabalenka, but off-court questions over her coaching arrangement continue to follow her.
The Guardian traces the turning point to last November’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, where Rybakina beat Sabalenka in straight sets. According to the Guardian, an inconsolable Sabalenka walked over to her courtside player box and slumped into a chair after being, in the outlet’s words, completely overpowered by her opponent.
In the aftermath, Sabalenka reached for a Russian idiom to explain what she saw as fortunately timed form from Rybakina: “Once a year, even a stick shoots.” As the Guardian notes, that stick has spent the past year shooting straight at Sabalenka in every significant match.
Rybakina’s dominance was signalled by her performance in Riyadh and confirmed on the biggest stages this season. The Guardian reports she has dominated the hard-court grand slam tournaments, defeating Sabalenka in the finals of both the Australian Open and the US Open.
Despite her rise to the top of the rankings, the Guardian reports that Rybakina’s relationship with her previously banned coach, Stefano Vukov, remains under the spotlight. The coaching question lingers as an unresolved storyline even as her results place her at the summit of the sport.
Why it matters
Rybakina's rise to world No 1 marks a significant shift at the top of women's tennis, establishing her as the dominant force over her main rival. The continued attention on her coach highlights how off-court issues can shadow even a player's greatest sporting achievements.
Frequently asked questions
Who did Elena Rybakina beat to win the US Open?
According to the Guardian, Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final in straight sets.
Why is Elena Rybakina's coach controversial?
The Guardian reports that her coach, Stefano Vukov, was previously banned and that their relationship remains under the spotlight, though the sources do not detail the reasons behind the ban.
What other titles has Rybakina won this year?
The Guardian says Rybakina has dominated the hard-court grand slams, also defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final this year.