Elena Rybakina Emphasizes Zero Pressure Ahead of Epic US Open Final Against Aryna Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina has firmly stated that she is not placing any unnecessary mental pressure on herself heading into the high-stakes U.S. Open final against Aryna Sabalenka. She noted that regardless of who is on the other side of the net, the core objective in any major championship match remains winning and playing her best game.

Addressing the media ahead of the title clash, the Kazakhstani star said the top tier of women’s tennis features players who are exceptionally close in the official rankings.

She reasoned that even if a match outcome goes wrong in a final, multiple competitive opportunities remain available across other tournaments through the remainder of the season. Rybakina said in her press conference:

It’s an important match. Since it’s a final, I feel like it doesn’t matter who’s on the other side. You just want to win and do your best. I also don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. We’re all very close in the ranking. Even if something goes wrong in the final, I still have other opportunities in other tournaments til the end of the year. We push each other when we play these matches. You clearly can see what you need to work on more. I think that’s great that you play against someone who pushes you til the limits.

Reflecting on her ongoing rivalry with Sabalenka, Rybakina explained that competing against such a formidable opponent naturally pushes athletes straight to their absolute limits. She emphasized that these intense battles provide clear, immediate feedback regarding specific tactical elements and physical aspects that require further development in training.

Elena Rybakina isn’t putting pressure on herself going into the U.S. Open final with Sabalenka, ‘Even if something goes wrong in the final, I still have other opportunities in other tournaments til the end of the year… I think that’s great that you play against someone who… pic.twitter.com/NFYzdWHS2l

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2026

By viewing the championship match through this relaxed and analytical lens, Rybakina aims to shield herself from external burdens while maintaining peak competitive focus. She concluded that sharing the court with someone who demands perfection brings out the best standard of sport, making the Grand Slam final an exciting test rather than a stressful ordeal.

Aryna Sabalenka’s path and US Open dominance

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her fourth consecutive US Open singles final by delivering a commanding performance against Jessica Pegula. She secured a tough 7-5, 6-2 straight-sets victory in the semifinal round, overcoming a competitive opening set before completely pulling away in the second.

During her semifinal win, the Belarusian powerhouse relentlessly pressured her opponent, hammering 29 winners to Pegula’s 12. Her dominant run at Flushing Meadows extended her remarkable winning streak at the tournament to 19 consecutive matches dating back to the 2023 final.

Entering the championship match, Sabalenka pursued a historic milestone to join tennis legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only women in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles. Although her 99-week reign at the top of the WTA rankings was officially ended by Rybakina earlier in the tournament week, Sabalenka remained fully focused on defending her crown.

Elena Rybakina’s breakthrough run to the US Open final

Elena Rybakina punched her ticket to her very first US Open final by staging a gritty comeback victory against home favorite Coco Gauff in the semifinals. After dropping the opening set, she regrouped to claim a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 triumph inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The semifinal appearance mathematically guaranteed that Rybakina would officially surpass Sabalenka to capture the WTA world No. 1 ranking when the standings are updated. This mathematical shift marked a historic career milestone, making her the first player representing Kazakhstan to achieve the coveted top ranking.

Rybakina previously captured the Australian Open title earlier in the season, positioning herself perfectly to chase her second major trophy of the calendar year. Her path to the final also included a crucial quarterfinal win over China’s Zheng Qinwen, which firmly set the stage for her showdown with Sabalenka.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz’s Physical Trainer Calls Out US Open Over Late-Night Start After Shock Defeat to Ben Shelton: “Not Healthy at All”