Aryna Sabalenka, who has defended her US Open crown for the past two years, is poised to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows. Her opponent in Saturday's final is the rising star Elena Rybakina, who is set to claim the world No.1 ranking for the first time on Monday after a remarkable season that began with a victory over Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. Rybakina's breakthrough year has been nothing short of meteoric. After defeating Sabalenka in Melbourne, she has amassed a string of deep runs in major events, collected seven top‑ten wins this season, and consistently challenged the established elite.
Her ascent will culminate in the US Open final, where she will not only vie for her maiden Grand Slam title but also attempt to end Sabalenka's dominance in New York. Sabalenka, now a nine‑time Grand Slam finalist, arrives in New York on the back of a 19‑match winning streak at the tournament. Over the past five years she has compiled a 36‑3 record at the US Open, reaching eight straight hard‑court major finals. Her recent form includes seven victories over top‑10 opponents, two of which have come at this very event.
"I understand how difficult it is to reach world No.1," Sabalenka said in a post‑match interview, acknowledging the effort required to climb to the summit of the sport. "It was one of my goals, but mid‑season I struggled.
Elena took the lead and played brilliantly. I can only focus on my own game, stay in the moment, and try to do my best. If I can take it back from her, that would be amazing." She also reflected on the paradox of performing well in a tournament yet losing the top ranking: "It feels a little strange. You can win matches and still drop the number one spot.
That's sport – the beauty of competition, where everyone is constantly chasing each other and improving on the little things that make the difference." Rybakina, the first Kazakh player to ever reach world No.1, approached the final with a calm confidence. "It's an important match, but in a final it doesn't matter who stands on the other side – you just want to win and give your best," she told reporters. She added that she is careful not to let the pressure of the ranking battle overwhelm her, noting that even if the final does not go her way, there will be plenty of opportunities in the remaining tournaments of the season.
"Playing against someone like Aryna pushes me to my limits and shows me exactly where I need to improve. That's a great feeling." Sabalenka has been vocal about her priorities this year. Earlier in the tournament she admitted she would rather secure a third US Open title than cling to the world No.1 ranking.
Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, praised her self‑belief: "Aryna is remembering who she is – she is very aligned with her own game. She knows what she is capable of and understands that on a big stage she must raise her level. This is her house, and the other players are guests; it's time for them to leave." Former Belarusian pro Max Mirnyi, who reached a career‑high of No.18, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Sabalenka's comfort in the New York atmosphere. "She thrives under the spotlight, especially during the night sessions.
The pressure seems to bring out the best in her, and that’s why she has been so successful here," he said. Rybakina's path to the final was dramatic. She battled past Coco Gauff in a thrilling semi‑final, showcasing her powerful baseline game and mental resilience.
The matchup between Sabalenka and Rybakina is not new; the two contested the Australian Open final earlier in the year, with Sabalenka prevailing. Rybakina's win in Melbourne balanced the rivalry, setting the stage for a compelling showdown in New York. Both players have expressed mutual respect, acknowledging how their rivalry elevates their own games.
Sabalenka noted that facing a player of Rybakina's caliber forces her to dig deeper, while Rybakina emphasized the value of competing against someone who pushes her to the edge of her abilities. The final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from 5 p.m.
on Saturday, with additional streaming options available via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London later in September, another highlight on Sky Sports' tennis calendar. As the two top seeds prepare to clash, the narrative extends beyond the trophy.
It is a battle for historic significance – a possible three‑peat for Sabalenka versus a maiden Grand Slam title and the inaugural world No.1 ranking for Rybakina. The outcome will shape the legacy of both athletes and set the tone for the remainder of the 2026 season, with each player eager to prove that they belong at the pinnacle of women's tennis.