This final brought out the best and worst of both players. A sensationally clean ball-striking passage from Elena Rybakina led to a confusing second set in which she hit a few unnecessary moonballs, was unable to apply pressure on the return and ultimately gave up her serve at love.
Aryna Sabalenka controlled most of this set as well as the first three games of the third. But leading 3-0, her game abandoned her. A second serve comes back on a vital break ball clipped outside the touchline. A short forehand on another break point found the net. Rybakina’s clean shot came back for the final act, and Sabalenka’s did so in flashes, but by then she was too far behind.
“Actually, I know what was wrong in all those finals that I played and lost,” Sabalenka said in press for that tournament. If she does, she still can’t stop it from ruining her. Her poor record in the final is part of who she is, for better or for worse. This makes her a more telegenic player and a richer character, but unfortunately for her, it doesn’t help advance her major title total, which remains at four.
Rybakina, meanwhile, won her first major final in three years. She had a chance and she didn’t miss it. Although she was a little more demonstrative than usual in this match, she was still calmer than many players have been on their most relaxed day. When it came time to serve, Rybakina didn’t blink or question the advantage she had been given. A cooler head prevailed.
