Aryna Sabalenka is trending because she lost the US Open women’s singles final to Elena Rybakina in New York. Rybakina won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, taking the trophy and emerging as the new world No 1. The result puts Sabalenka at the centre of coverage of the tournament’s deciding match, alongside the attention on Rybakina’s victory.
The final went to three sets: Sabalenka lost the first, won the second to level the match, and then lost the deciding set. Coverage describes Rybakina as keeping her cool while frustrating Sabalenka. The match also drew live coverage featuring build-up, predictions, head-to-head statistics, scores, photos and commentary. Together, the attention around the final and the report of its outcome explain why Sabalenka’s name is prominent in the news.