Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka are set to compete in the US Open final, continuing a rivalry that has established itself as one of the most significant in recent women’s tennis history.
The two players have developed an intense competitive relationship since Rybakina’s first victory over Sabalenka at Indian Wells in 2023, when Sabalenka responded to the congratulations with characteristic humor: “I will make sure it is the last time.” The encounters since then have only deepened their rivalry.
According to the source, the statistics underscore the significance of their matchups. This will be their 18th meeting overall, with Sabalenka holding a 10-7 lead. More notably, it is just the second time since 1988 that the same two female players have met in the finals of both the Australian Open and US Open, the two hard-court grand slams. The only other pair to achieve this was Steffi Graf and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in 1994.
This will be their third grand slam final together. Sabalenka won their first meeting in Melbourne in 2023, claiming her first grand slam title from a set down. Rybakina then won their 2024 Australian Open final, coming back from 3-1 down in the third set to claim her second grand slam title.
The timing of this final carries additional significance. Rybakina, the second seed, has been pursuing Sabalenka’s world No. 1 ranking throughout the tournament and sealed that pursuit by defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen to reach the semi-finals. This US Open final represents just the third time in the 21st century that a grand slam final will be decided between two players who will switch places at the No. 1 spot after the tournament concludes.
Rybakina and Sabalenka present a study in contrasts off the court. Sabalenka is known for her emotional expressiveness and extroverted personality, while Rybakina remains famously composed regardless of the outcome. On court, however, their playing styles share common ground—both favor big serves and early strikes in rallies.
Their rivalry has flourished partly because they have continually inspired each other to perform at the highest levels, with clarity that only exceptional ball striking will suffice for victory. Both have positioned themselves as future Hall of Famers competing at tennis’s biggest tournaments.
Key facts
- This is Rybakina and Sabalenka’s 18th meeting, with Sabalenka leading 10-7
- It is only the second time since 1988 that two female players have met in both Australian Open and US Open finals
- This is the third time in the 21st century that a grand slam final will be played between two players switching No. 1 ranking spots
- Rybakina won the 2024 Australian Open final from 3-1 down in the third set
- Sabalenka won their 2023 Australian Open final from a set down to claim her first grand slam title
- Rybakina sealed her pursuit of the No. 1 ranking by defeating Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals