Elena Rybakina solidified her claim as the new world No.1 by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her a first US Open trophy and marked a milestone in her rapidly rising career. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh displayed poise and power on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, edging the top‑seed and defending champion 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 to claim the title.
The victory not only handed Rybakina her inaugural US Open triumph but also guaranteed her the top spot in the WTA rankings for the upcoming week, a position that had already been secured by her performance throughout the tournament. Sabalenka entered the match with the historic goal of becoming only the third woman in the Open era to win three consecutive US Open titles, joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. Instead, she left the court in a fit of frustration, smashing her racket and venting her disappointment as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam win.
Rybakina's path to the championship was not without adversity. An ankle injury that threatened to derail her campaign surfaced just before the tournament began, prompting concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless, she brushed off the setback, relying on the confidence of her team and a resilient mindset.
The win in New York added a US Open title to her earlier successes this season, which already included a victorious run at the Australian Open and a Wimbledon triumph in 2022. Reflecting on her journey, Rybakina told Sky Sports Tennis, "Some magic is happening.
I was unlucky with the injury before the tournament started, but my team stayed positive day by day. We didn’t know how things would turn out, so I’m incredibly happy and proud. I still can’t believe it." The final itself was a showcase of elite tennis, featuring the two highest‑ranked players in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, delivered aggressive groundstrokes that often landed with a sting.
Sabalenka, however, countered with powerful serves and a relentless attacking style. The opening set saw Rybakina break first after a Sabalenka double fault, and she quickly capitalized, closing the set 6‑4 while maintaining composure.
The second set shifted momentum. Sabalenka, visibly irritated by a series of missed opportunities, managed to level the match with a brilliant drop shot and a cross‑court backhand winner, forcing a decisive third set. The Belarusian’s frustration grew, evident in a code violation after she launched a ball into the stands.
In contrast, Rybakina remained calm, tightening her grip on the match and eventually taking the third set 6‑2 after building a commanding 5‑2 lead. Post‑match, Sabalenka expressed disappointment but also respect for her opponent. "I don’t want to give a speech right now, but thank you to everyone for the support.
I congratulate Elena on an incredible year and a well‑deserved result. I wish I could have performed better, but there will be next year," she said, adding that she had smashed a racket in frustration during the press conference, explaining that releasing her emotions was necessary after such a painful loss. Former champions offered their analysis.
Martina Navratilova noted, "We usually see Sabalenka dictating play, but this time Rybakina turned the tables. It wasn’t Sabalenka who lost; Rybakina earned the win. She’ll have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to handle a player of Rybakina’s caliber when she’s on fire." Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement: "Her previous best at the US Open was the fourth round, yet she came in with the pressure of the world No.1 ranking and still managed to win.
Her comeback at the start of the third set was extraordinary, and she completely erased the setbacks of the second set. She attacked Sabalenka’s serve relentlessly, putting her under constant pressure. The only Grand Slam missing from her collection now is the French Open." Laura Robson added, "Both players hit the ball hard, but Rybakina’s backhand was lights‑out from start to finish.
Even without crowd support, she never flinched. Sabalenka tried everything to mount a comeback in the third set, but Rybakina kept her focus and executed her shots under immense pressure." With this triumph, Rybakina secured her third Grand Slam title of 2026, having already lifted the Australian Open and Wimbledon trophies earlier in the year.
She now holds three of the four majors, the French Open being the sole event she has yet to win in pursuit of a career Grand Slam. Her record this season includes a 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th top‑10 win of 2026, and a total of 49 wins for the year. The US Open continues to broadcast live on Sky Sports, with matches available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans can follow the excitement through the remainder of the tournament and beyond. Rybakina’s ascent to the summit of women’s tennis marks a new era, and the tennis world will be watching closely to see how she builds on this historic achievement.