How Elena Rybakina, world No. 1 and U.S. Open champion, climbed the tennis mountain

How Elena Rybakina, world No. 1 and U.S. Open champion, climbed the tennis mountain

NEW YORK — A year ago, Elena Rybakina was on the outside looking in. She couldn’t get past the fourth round of any of the Grand Slams. She was doubtful to make the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. She had to play a grueling series of tournaments in September and October just to squeak into the season-ending championship. Then, she won it. In the final, she handcuffed Aryna Sabalenka, using the laser serve, sweeping forehand and whip-crack backhand that she can windmill with her eyes clo