Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the world No.1 ranking by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her a first US Open title on the storied courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh emerged victorious in a three‑set battle, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 against the top‑seeded and defending champion, and in doing so confirmed that she would overtake Sabalenka in the WTA rankings the following week. The match was billed as a classic showdown between the two players occupying the top two spots in the rankings, and it delivered on that promise.
Rybakina entered the tournament with a lingering ankle injury that had raised doubts about her ability to compete at the highest level. Despite the physical setback, she displayed resilience and poise throughout the week, ultimately adding the US Open trophy to her Australian Open victory earlier in the season and her Wimbledon title from 2022. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the win, Rybakina described the experience as "some magic happening" and reflected on the uncertainty that surrounded her preparation.
"I was so unlucky with the injury before the start of the tournament. I was taking it day by day and my team stayed positive. In the beginning we didn’t know how things would turn out, so I’m incredibly happy and proud. I still can’t believe it," she said.
Sabalenka entered the final with the historic goal of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve a New York three‑peat, joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. The Belarusian’s ambition was thwarted when she was forced to sit down in defeat, her frustration evident as she smashed her racket into pieces after the final point. In her post‑match press conference, Sabalenka admitted that controlling her emotions was a challenge. "It’s really tough to keep your composure when you lose a Grand Slam final and you were aiming for a three‑peat.
I needed to let the aggression out, otherwise I would have been unable to speak," she explained. The final itself unfolded with several dramatic moments. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black outfit reminiscent of a bee, opened the match with aggressive groundstrokes that earned her an early break.
Sabalenka responded with powerful serves, but a double fault gave Rybakina a 3‑2 lead in the first set. The Belarusian’s frustration boiled over, resulting in a code violation after she tossed a ball into the stands. The first set concluded with Rybakina holding her nerve to take it 6‑4.
In the second set, Sabalenka raised her level, producing a spectacular drop shot and a backhand winner that forced the match into a deciding third set. The momentum swung back and forth, but Rybakina’s composure never wavered. She surged ahead 5‑2 in the final set, leveraging her powerful forehand and precise backhand to close out the match 6‑2. After the victory, Rybakina expressed relief at reaching the No.1 ranking but emphasized that the title itself was the true milestone.
"I was relieved to get to No.1, but I knew there were two more matches to push, and winning here at Arthur Ashe Stadium was a huge milestone. I stayed focused and tried not to get distracted by messages," she said. Commentators from Sky Sports offered their analysis.
Former champion Martina Navratilova noted that Sabalenka, typically the aggressor, appeared unsettled by Rybakina’s relentless pressure. "Usually we see Sabalenka dictating play, but tonight it was Rybakina who forced her onto the defensive.
It wasn’t that Sabalenka lost; Rybakina earned the win," Navratilova observed. Former world No.1 Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement, especially given her previous best result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round exit. "To come in with the weight of the No.1 ranking and still win the title is extraordinary.
Her ability to rebound at the start of the third set was remarkable," Bartoli said. Laura Robson, another former player, praised both competitors for their power and timing, but singled out Rybakina’s backhand as the decisive factor.
"Under immense pressure, Rybakina’s backhand was lights‑out from start to finish," she remarked. Rybakata’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the year, adding to her Australian Open win and Wimbledon victory. 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 two‑zero for 2026, underscoring her dominance in their rivalry. The victory also carries broader implications for the WTA tour. With Rybakina poised to ascend to the top of the rankings, the competitive landscape for the remainder of the season will shift, prompting other top players to adjust their strategies as they aim to challenge the new world leader. For fans wishing to relive the match, Sky Sports will continue to broadcast the US Open through 2030, and the tournament’s highlights are available on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.
The final served as a fitting climax to the 2026 Grand Slam calendar, showcasing the depth of talent and the emotional intensity that defines modern women's tennis.