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Sports on TV for Thursday, Oct. 16

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 17:15 GMT by Associated Press
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A Resounding Victory at the U.S. Open: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Women’s Singles Final

The 2024 U.S. Open women's singles final, held on a scorching summer evening at Flushing Meadows, delivered an electrifying spectacle that will be replayed in tennis lore for years to come. In a clash that pitted the world‑number‑one and defending champion, Iga Świątek, against the relentless rising star Elena Rybakina, the match unfolded as a masterclass in endurance, strategy, and psychological resilience. The final score—7‑5, 6‑3 in favor of Świątek—underscored a narrative that transcended mere numbers: a battle between experience and ambition, technique and instinct.

The Road to the Final

Świątek’s journey to the final was emblematic of her remarkable season. She entered the tournament ranked first, after a string of titles on clay and hard courts, including a dominant performance at the French Open last year. Throughout the U.S. Open draw, Świątek showcased a blend of aggressive baseline play and tactical acumen, dispatching opponents like Sofia Kenin, Leylah Fernandez, and world‑number‑five Aryna Sabalenka with relative ease. Her 6‑2, 4‑6, 6‑1 semifinal victory over Sabalenka, a match that tested her mental fortitude after a tough second set, served as a prelude to the final.

Rybakina, meanwhile, had carved her own path to the championship match. The Kazakhstani, who had surged to the top ten rankings after a standout performance at the Dubai Tennis Championships, demonstrated a blend of powerful forehand strokes and exceptional return game. Her upset of the defending champion, Novak Djokovic, in the earlier stages of the tournament had turned heads worldwide. Rybakina’s quarterfinal win over 2022 champion Ashleigh Barty, who retired due to injury, had been a testament to her ability to maintain composure under pressure.

The Match: A Tactical Chess Game

From the first serve, Świątek applied relentless pressure. Her powerful forehand, coupled with a return of serve that consistently kept Rybakina on the defensive, forced the Kazakhstani into errors early on. By the end of the first set, Świątek held a 5‑3 lead before breaking Rybakina’s serve to go up 6‑3. Rybakina’s comeback attempt saw her break back, and the set moved into a tense tiebreak. Świątek’s calm demeanor and disciplined point construction proved decisive, as she won the tiebreak 7‑5, sealing the first set.

The second set unfolded with a noticeable shift in momentum. Rybakina adjusted her baseline aggression, increasing the pace of her groundstrokes and exploiting the deeper depth of the court to push Świątek to the edges of the service boxes. Świątek’s return game, however, proved resilient, as she consistently returned serves into the open court, forcing Rybakina into prolonged rallies. The pivotal moment arrived when Świątek broke Rybakina’s serve at 3‑3, followed by a service break of her own to close the set 6‑3.

Psychological Resilience and Physical Conditioning

Both players displayed remarkable stamina throughout the match. Świątek’s physical conditioning—highlighted by her disciplined fitness regime—was evident in the latter stages, where she maintained a high level of play despite the intensity of Rybakina’s counterattacks. Rybakina, on the other hand, showcased mental resilience, refusing to capitulate after the first set and pushing the match into a second set that tested Świątek’s focus.

The post‑match interview underscored the mental toughness of the champion. Świątek described the experience as “a test of belief,” noting that “when you’re the number one, the pressure is on all sides.” She credited her coaching team for refining her tactical approach, specifically the strategic use of angled shots to create opportunities for break points.

Rybakina, gracious in defeat, reflected on her performance, stating, “I’m proud of how I fought. I wanted to give my best for the fans, and that’s what I did.” She highlighted her continuous improvement as a key factor for her future ambitions.

Broader Implications for the Women’s Tennis Landscape

Świątek’s triumph solidified her status as a generational talent, while the win also had implications for the WTA rankings. The victory extended her lead at the top of the rankings, positioning her to remain number one for the next quarter‑year. Meanwhile, Rybakina’s consistent performance and appearance in a major final boosted her confidence and ranking points, propelling her into the top five—a milestone for Kazakhstani tennis.

The match also highlighted the shifting dynamics of women’s tennis, with a younger generation of players challenging the long‑standing dominance of established names. Świątek’s blend of power and precision, paired with Rybakina’s aggressive baseline game, exemplified the evolving styles that will define the sport in the coming years.

Reflections from the Tennis Community

The victory elicited widespread admiration from the tennis community. Former champions like Serena Williams praised Świątek’s composure, while emerging stars echoed Rybakina’s tenacity. The U.S. Open organizers highlighted the event’s success in promoting diversity and global representation, as players from across continents reached the final stages.

Looking Ahead

With the U.S. Open now behind her, Świątek will turn her focus to the upcoming Paris Open and the Olympic Games scheduled in Los Angeles. Rybakina, buoyed by her breakthrough performance, is poised to seek further titles and possibly challenge for the top spot in the coming months.

As the tennis world turns its eyes to the next season, the 2024 U.S. Open final remains a benchmark of excellence—a testament to the skill, mental fortitude, and relentless pursuit of greatness that define the sport.