Elena Rybakina underlined her place at the top of women’s tennis with a straight-talking, high-level win over Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final.

Their latest meeting echoed January’s Australian Open title match, but this time Rybakina’s heavier ball-striking proved decisive again. She began with authority, taking the first set 6-4 after applying sustained pressure and keeping Sabalenka on the back foot.

Sabalenka responded well and forced the contest deeper by edging the second set 7-5. For a brief stretch, the match looked ready to swing her way. Rybakina, however, quickly re-established control in the decider and pulled away to seal the third set 6-2. Even after serving two double faults in the final game, she finished the match with an ace.

The result brought Rybakina her first US Open title and the third Grand Slam trophy of her career. It also added to the Wimbledon title she won in 2022.

The scale of the victory was matched by the prize on offer in 2026, with the US Open increasing its total prize pool by 20% to $108 million across all competitions. Rybakina’s triumph earns her a $5.5m windfall, the largest prize money haul in the history of the women’s game.

Sabalenka will finish 2026 without a Grand Slam title, though she still takes home $2,800,000 as runner-up. That sum is higher than Emma Raducanu received when she won the US Open five years ago.

Rybakina’s points total from New York also strengthens her hold on the world No 1 ranking, giving her more than 2,000 points of cushion over Sabalenka. Sabalenka remains second, with Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff still within reach behind her.

Rybakina has now won three of the four Grand Slam titles, and although clay remains her least preferred surface, the French Open next year offers another chance to add to that record.

Alex Eala’s planned appearance at the Asian Games is now uncertain, with the WTA appearing to apply a strict approach to exemption requests for players facing scheduling clashes.

Earlier in August, the Philippine Tennis Association said Eala had decided to compete for her country at the event in Nagoya, Japan. Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said: “We’re very excited; it’s confirmed that she is playing the Asian Games.

“We’re very grateful to Alex. She really has a tight schedule. In fact, after the US Open, she’s going to Singapore to play in a WTA 500, and right after Singapore, she has to fly to Nagoya.

“And there are other simultaneous events with the Asian Games, but she chose to play for the flag.”

Eala also spoke positively about representing her country, saying: “I think it’s a really fun environment and I love being with the team.”

The timing creates a clear conflict. The Asian Games are scheduled from 27 September to 3 October, while the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 event, begins in Beijing on 28 September. Players need an exemption from the WTA to miss that tournament.

That issue has already affected Janice Tjen, who said she will not be able to play for Indonesia after her request was denied. “After a lot of consideration, I’ve had to make the difficult decision that I won’t be able to compete at the Asian Games this year which take place at the same time as the mandatory WTA 1000 event in Beijing,” the world No 36 announced in an Instagram.

“We have received confirmation from the WTA that unfortunately, I have not been granted an exemption to compete at the Asian Games.”

Philta has also asked for an exemption for Eala, who missed the China Open last year because she did not qualify for the main draw through her ranking, but it has yet to hear back.

If the answer is no, Eala could still choose to play, but that would leave her open to a fine and a points deduction in the WTA Rankings.

There is also a bigger incentive at stake. The singles champion at the Asian Games will secure a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding more significance to Eala’s decision.

Ben Shelton has written his name into the US Open record book, becoming the first black American man since Arthur Ashe to reach the final. The 23-year-old followed his five-set victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with another important win, defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first Grand Slam final. Alexander Zverev will be his opponent on Sunday.

After sealing the result on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Shelton turned to the crowd and made his intentions clear. “I am going to need you guys on Sunday,” Shelton told the spectators on Arthur Ashe Stadium after his win. “I’m going for it here. I’m going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come back me. Let’s do this for the USA.”

The world No 9 is now only the second American man to reach the US Open final since 2010, joining Taylor Fritz, who lost the 2024 title match against Sinner. Shelton has the chance to go one better and, if he beats Zverev, he would become the first American man since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open to win a Grand Slam. He would also be the first black American man since Ashe in 1972 to win the US Open.

Shelton was equally focused when speaking about the people behind his rise. His father and coach Bryan Shelton played on the ATP Tour and won two singles titles, while his mother Lisa Witsken Shelton was a top junior player. He also paid tribute to his paternal grandmother, saying: “It’s a lot of emotion. My mom and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today,” he said. “My dad lost his mom earlier this year. She’s the reason he was able to play tennis. Without her there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her.”

He ended by acknowledging New Yorkers on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, saying: “One more thing, it’s a difficult day to be out here playing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all families who are impacted by 9/11.

“This is one of the greatest cities in the world and one of the biggest tragedies. Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved and affected.”

Shelton’s progress also guarantees a career-high No 4 in the ATP Rankings.