Rybakina Reveals Mantra To Stop Sabalenka In US Open Final
Rybakina opened up about finding her groove at the US Open 2026 as her campaign progressed.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina will take on two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in their third hard-court Final of the year, and in what will be the first US Open Final between the top two seeds in 13 years. Speaking in an interview shared by JioStar, Rybakina shared her thoughts on finding her groove as her campaign progressed and what it will take for her to get one over Sabalenka once again in a women’s tournament final.
Speaking in an interview shared by JioStar ahead of the Final, Rybakina opened up about finding her groove at the US Open 2026 as her campaign progressed:
“I wasn't 100 per cent sure if I was going to be able to even play this tournament. In the first few matches, I was thinking about my foot and how it was actually going to react. I was not that comfortable playing the first few matches. Then, slowly, my focus moved towards what I was doing wrong on the court and what I needed to improve. So yeah, slowly I found my way. There were also some very difficult opponents and great matches. I feel like something is definitely going my way, and I hope that on finals day, I can do my best and that it also brings me success.”
On playing back-to-back three-set matches in her quarter-final and semi-final:
“During the match, I was telling myself that I had not been practising for a week before the tournament. I was convincing myself that I wasn't tired and that I could still push. So yeah, honestly, I was just fighting for every point because both matches were very close. There were some moments where I did not have enough energy and push from the legs on my serve. No matter who's on the other side, if my serve is working, it's already a big plus in my game and a big advantage. So yeah, I was just pushing myself mentally and physically.”
On what will it take for her to get past Aryna Sabalenka in another Final:
“I guess the same spirit. I need to fight no matter how I'm going to feel on that day and give my best. We know each other pretty well and have played so many times against each other. Yeah, just try to stay aggressive in important moments, not wait for her to dictate the point, and try to stay on top of the rallies.”
Watch Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina in the US Open 2026 Women’s Singles Final on Sunday, September 13, 1.30 AM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports
