Zverev came close to taking the number one ranking in 2022 at the French Open but tore ankle ligaments in his semi-final against Rafa Nadal and missed the rest of the season
Saturday's title showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium had all the ingredients of a classic between the top two in the rankings, and though Sabalenka brought late aggression
The Italian world number one claimed his second title at the All England Club and fifth Grand Slam trophy to close the gap on his rival Carlos Alcaraz
The world number three went on to win a nervy final against Italian Flavio Cobolli, thus ending the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly which had seen them share out the previous nine Grand Slam titles
Disgruntled Polish third seed Swiatek lost a titanic first-set battle that lasted almost 90 minutes and had no answer to a fearless Eala after that as she lost 7‑6(9) 6-2