Sabalenka and Rybakina resume epic rivalry at US Open after switch at No 1
Rybakina will top rankings after tournament as pair continue to meet one another in grand slam finals
TL;DR
- Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka have developed a significant rivalry in women's tennis.
- They are the second female pairing since 1988 to reach the finals of both the Australian Open and US Open in the same year.
- Rybakina is set to become the world No. 1 after the US Open, having defeated Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals.
- This is the third time in the 21st century that a Grand Slam final will feature two players who will swap the No. 1 ranking.
- Sabalenka leads their head-to-head record 10-7, including two Grand Slam final victories for Sabalenka and one for Rybakina.
- Their personalities are diametrically opposed: Sabalenka is an extrovert, while Rybakina displays minimal emotion.
- Both players are considered future Hall of Famers.