Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's rankings by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and clinching her first title in New York. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star overcame the defending champion in a three‑set battle on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2. With this victory she not only added a prestigious Grand Slam trophy to her résumé but also guaranteed her ascent to world No.1 in the WTA rankings for the upcoming week. The final was billed as a clash of the sport's two highest‑ranked players, and it delivered every drama that a marquee showdown promises.
Rybakina entered the match in a striking yellow‑and‑black outfit that evoked a bee, a visual cue that matched her aggressive, sting‑like groundstrokes. Sabalenka, the top seed and defending champion, was determined to become only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve a New York "three‑peat," joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
However, the Belarusian’s ambitions were thwarted as she struggled to contain Rybakina’s relentless pressure. From the outset, Rybakina seized the initiative.
She broke Sabalenka’s serve early, capitalising on a double fault to go up 3‑2. The moment was punctuated by a code violation against Sabalenka, who, frustrated by a mistimed shot, launched a ball into the stands.
The incident underscored the growing tension on court, as Sabalenka’s frustration became increasingly visible with each missed opportunity. In contrast, Rybakina remained composed, her face a picture of calm focus as she tightened her grip on the first set and closed it out with a decisive 6‑4. The second set saw Sabalenka rally, displaying the powerful serve and aggressive baseline play that have defined her career. She produced a spectacular drop shot and a crisp backhand cross‑court winner, narrowing the gap and eventually forcing a third set.
Yet, even as the Belarusian roared after a backhand winner to claim a crucial game, Rybakina’s quality resurfaced. She surged ahead to a 5‑2 lead in the final set, wielding her red‑and‑blue framed racket with confidence and precision. The Kazakh’s dominance in the closing stages left Sabalenka without any major titles for the 2026 season.
In the post‑match interview, a visibly elated Rybakina reflected on her journey. "Some magic is happening," she told Sky Sports Tennis. "I was unlucky with the ankle injury before the tournament, but my team stayed positive and we took it day by day.
I still can’t believe it – I’m super happy and proud." She added that reaching the No.1 ranking had been a relief, but she deliberately avoided distractions, focusing solely on the match at hand. Sabalenka, visibly upset, vented her emotions during the press conference.
She admitted that losing the final, especially when she was aiming for a historic three‑peat, was difficult to control. "It’s tough to keep your emotions in check when you lose a Grand Slam final," she said, explaining why she smashed a racket and hurled a ball into the crowd. "I needed to let that aggression out, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to speak at all." Former champions and commentators weighed in on the outcome.
Martina Navratilova observed that Sabalenka is usually the dominant force, dictating play and putting opponents on the defensive. "This time it was Rybakina doing that to her, and I didn’t expect it," Navratilova noted. She praised Rybakina’s performance, stating that the Kazakh earned the win and that Sabalenka will now return to the drawing board. Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement, pointing out that her previous best result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round appearance.
"To come in with the world’s No.1 ranking on your racket and still win the title is extraordinary," Bartoli said. She lauded Rybakina’s resilience, especially after a dip in the second set, and emphasized her powerful return game that constantly pressured Sabalenka’s serve. Laura Robson added that Rybakina’s composure under pressure was remarkable. "Even without crowd support, she didn’t flinch," Robson said.
She praised the consistency of Rybakina’s backhand throughout the match, describing it as "lights out" from start to finish. Rybakina’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the year, joining her Australian Open victory earlier in the season and a Wimbledon win in 2022.
She now holds three of the four majors, with only the French Open remaining to complete a career Grand Slam. Her victory over Sabalenka in two Grand Slam finals this year underscores a dominant 2026 campaign, highlighted by a 41st top‑10 win, a 10th top‑10 win of the season, and her 49th overall win in 2026.
The win also has broader implications for the WTA tour. With Rybakina ascending to the No.1 spot, the ranking hierarchy shifts, prompting other top players to reassess their strategies. Sabalenka, meanwhile, will look to regroup and target the remaining majors, hoping to rebound from a disappointing finish in New York.
The US Open final, broadcast live on Sky Sports, attracted a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium and captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. As the tournament concluded, the narrative of a rising star dethroning a reigning champion added another memorable chapter to the storied history of the US Open, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season and the next Grand Slam cycle.