Passion and poise clash as Sabalenka meets Rybakina in US Open final

NEW YORK, Sept 11 : Aryna Sabalenka will bring the fire and Elena Rybakina the ice when two of the biggest hitters in the women's game collide in Saturday's U.S. Open final, with the Belarusian chasing a hat-trick of titles and the incoming world number one standing in her way.

Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to claim three straight titles at Flushing Meadows, while Rybakina arrives assured of the top ranking that she will inherit from the Belarusian on Monday.

The pair will meet in a Grand Slam final for the third time in their enthralling rivalry after splitting two Australian Open title clashes, with Sabalenka triumphing in 2023 and Rybakina gaining revenge this year to perfectly set up another showdown.

"It's going to be a really tough match," said Sabalenka, who will look to improve on her 10-7 win-loss record over Rybakina.

"She's a big server and she has really improved over the years on her baseline game. It's going to be a physically and mentally tough match.

"But I'm ready for the fight. I'm ready to do everything to get the win, so I'm excited for the match."

GEOPOLITICAL BACKDROP

Given Sabalenka's nationality and Rybakina's Russian roots, the title clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium will carry a geopolitical backdrop amid Russia's war in Ukraine and the role of Belarus as a staging ground for Moscow's 2022 invasion of its neighbour.

Sabalenka has kept the focus on her tennis and victory after a disappointing spell midway through the season would hand her a fifth major, moving her level with Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis.

Although their power-heavy games have produced some of the tour's most compelling contests, their demeanours could not be more different, with the