Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's tennis rankings by defeating the two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final that handed her a first US Open trophy and cemented her ascent to world No. 1.
The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star overcame a strong challenge from the defending champion, winning the match 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court in New York. The victory was more than just a title; it confirmed the ranking shift that had already been set in motion. Rybakina had been guaranteed to overtake Sabalenka in the WTA rankings the following week, and the New York win removed any doubt about her new position at the summit of the sport.
Sabalenka entered the final with a historic goal in mind. She was aiming to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles, joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
Instead, after the final point, she was left seething in her chair, her racket smashed to pieces in a fit of frustration as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam triumph. Earlier in the tournament, Rybakina had been plagued by concerns over an ankle injury that threatened to derail her campaign before it even began. The injury appeared serious enough to raise doubts about her ability to compete at a high level, but she managed to push through the pain, displaying the resilience that has become a hallmark of her recent career.
The US Open victory adds to a remarkable 2026 season that already includes an Australian Open title and a Wimbledon win in 2022, underscoring her rapid rise. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the match, a visibly elated Rybakina said, "Some magic is happening. I was so unlucky with the injury before the tournament started. I took it day by day, and my team stayed positive.
We didn’t know how things would turn out, so I’m incredibly happy and proud – I still can’t believe it." Rybakina’s composure extended beyond the court. In a post‑match interview she noted, "I was relieved to reach No 1, but I knew there were still two more matches to win, and doing it at the US Open made it a true milestone.
I tried to stay focused and not get distracted by messages. Everything clicked today." The final itself had all the ingredients of a classic showdown between the top two players in the world.
Rybakina entered the arena in a striking yellow‑and‑black outfit that resembled a bee, a nod perhaps to the sting she intended to deliver with her groundstrokes. While her aggressive play produced plenty of sharp, penetrating shots, Sabalenka responded with her trademark big serves, holding firm in what was the third Grand Slam final meeting between the two. The opening set saw Sabalenka claim the early advantage after a double fault from Rybakina gave her a 3‑2 lead. A moment of frustration saw the Belarusian receive a code violation for tossing a ball into the stands.
Despite this, Rybakina maintained a calm demeanor, tightening her grip on the first set and eventually sealing it. The second set began with Rybakina’s level dipping slightly, allowing Sabalenka to mount a comeback. The Belarusian produced a spectacular drop shot and a backhand cross‑court winner that pushed the match into a decisive third set. Sabalenka’s confidence surged, and she let out a triumphant roar after another backhand winner to take the opening game of the final set.
However, Rybakina’s quality resurfaced in full force. Using her red‑and‑blue framed racket, she surged ahead to a 5‑2 lead, displaying a blend of power and precision that left Sabalenka without a Grand Slam title for the 2026 season.
The Kazakh’s ability to recover after a dip in the second set impressed commentators and analysts alike. After the match, a visibly upset Sabalenka addressed the media, saying, "I don’t really 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 a little better, but there’s always next year." She also explained the emotional outburst that led to the broken racket, noting, "It’s hard to control your emotions when you lose a Grand Slam final, especially when you were chasing a three‑peat. I needed to let that aggression out, otherwise I would have kept it inside and it would have affected everything I said." Former great Martina Navratilova, providing analysis for Sky Sports Tennis, remarked, "Usually we see Sabalenka dictating play, putting opponents on the defensive. This time it was Rybakina who took the initiative, and that surprised everyone. Rybakina earned this win, and Sabalenka will have to go back to the drawing board." Former champion Marion Bartoli added, "Her best result here before was the fourth round, so to come in with the pressure of the world on her shoulders and the No 1 ranking and still win is extraordinary.
She bounced back at the start of the third set like a champion, ignoring the hiccup in the second set. Her ball‑striking is on another level – she can do anything on the court.
The only Grand Slam left for her is Roland Garros to complete a career Grand Slam." Laura Robson, also with Sky Sports, highlighted the mental toughness on display: "Rybakina didn’t flinch even without crowd support. Sabalenka tried everything to mount a comeback in the third set, but Rybakina kept her focus and kept hitting her shots. The backhand from Rybakina was lights‑out from start to finish." Rybakina’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the year, adding the US Open to her Australian Open victory and her Wimbledon success from the previous season.
She now holds three of the four majors, with only the French Open remaining to complete a career Grand Slam. Her head‑to‑head record against Sabalenka in Grand Slam finals stands at 2‑0 for 2026, underscoring her dominance in their rivalry.
Statistically, the win contributed to several milestones: it was Rybakina’s 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th top‑10 win of the 2026 season, and her 49th win overall this year. The match also secured her place as the year‑end world No 1, a position she will occupy heading into the next season. The US Open broadcast continues on Sky Sports through the end of 2030, with live coverage of the men's final featuring Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton, as well as ongoing updates, scores, and commentary. Fans can stream the tournament via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app without a contract, and the Laver Cup will be shown live from The O2 in London later in September.
Overall, Rybakina’s victory in New York was a testament to her resilience, tactical intelligence, and ability to perform under pressure. Overcoming injury doubts, she not only captured a coveted Grand Slam trophy but also affirmed her status as the premier player in women’s tennis, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting era at the top of the sport.