The best rivalry in women’s tennis: Celebs in the stands as new world No.1 thwarts Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka spent the past few months bristling each time her status as the best player on the planet was questioned.

Not only can Sabalenka no longer do that, but the rival who will replace her – Elena Rybakina – also snatched her US Open crown on Sunday (AEST) and prevented her from matching Serena Williams’ championship three-peat from 2012-14.

Rybakina clinched the No.1 ranking for the first time when she reached her first semi-final in New York on Tuesday.

But that magical milestone will be even sweeter after the red-hot Kazakh defeated Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a spectacular final that enthralled a celebrity-laced Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, featuring the likes of Brad Pitt, Pink and Spike Lee and tennis greats Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova and Jennifer Capriati.

“It’s tough to find words right now. I didn’t expect anything like this coming to this tournament,” Rybakina said.

“I’ve been dealing a little bit with injury, but somehow, everything aligned together on my side. Aryna, you are a great champion. It’s so difficult to play against you. You push to such a limit.

“I honestly was coming here for last 10 years, and it was never successful – nothing close to that – and it’s just incredible, and I’m falling in love with New York, more and more, and it’s an amazing memory for me.”

Sabalenka capped a tempestuous display by tossing her racquet away in disgust after losing. She cut a tearful and devastated figure post-match.

“The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech, but I’ll try my very best,” Sabalenka said.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year and incredible results, and [the title is] well deserved … I wish I could perform a little bit better, but I guess next year.”

Rybakina’s victory delivered her a third grand slam title, to go with her 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open triumphs – and draws her within one of Sabalenka’s career major tally.

She was in significant doubt to even play the US Open after retiring from the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals with a left heel tendon and ankle injury.

The 27-year-old, who sent down her 12th ace on championship point for her 36th overall winner, kick-started her career-defining season by edging out Sabalenka in three sets in the Australian Open final in January, after also beating her great rival in last year’s WTA Finals.

The best rivalry in women’s tennis also tightened to 10-8 in Sabalenka’s favour, while Rybakina’s US Open win heightened her chances of ending Sabalenka’s two-year reign as the year-end No.1.