Elena Rybakina has highlighted the necessity of controlling rallies and seizing early initiative in her upcoming US Open women’s singles final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday. Speaking ahead of their 18th career meeting, Rybakina emphasized that dictating key moments will be vital against Sabalenka, who currently leads their head-to-head series 10-7. Nevertheless, Rybakina enters the contest with Grand Slam confidence, having previously defeated Sabalenka in January’s Australian Open final.
Rybakina’s journey to the championship match comes despite severe pre-tournament uncertainty caused by a foot injury that prevented her from practicing during the week prior to the event. After feeling uncomfortable on court during her opening rounds, she physically pushed through consecutive three-set victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals, most recently overcoming Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. She stressed that maintaining serve quality will serve as her primary tactical asset to offset physical fatigue.
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Sabalenka, meanwhile, secured her berth in a fourth consecutive US Open final with a straight-sets 7-5, 6-2 win over Jessica Pegula. With both players demonstrating top form on hard courts throughout the season, Sunday’s clash pits Sabalenka’s baseline power against Rybakina’s heavy serve and rally control, setting up a high-stakes rematch of their Melbourne Grand Slam final.
