Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's game by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her a first US Open title and confirmed her ascent to world number one. 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 and ending the tournament on a high note. The victory had already guaranteed Rybakina a place at the summit of the WTA rankings for the following week, as Sabalenka's points fell short of maintaining her lead.
In the post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Rybakina reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the week, saying, "Some magic is happening. I was unlucky with the injury before the tournament started, but my team stayed positive and we took it day by day.
I still can’t believe it – I’m incredibly happy and proud." Her comments highlighted the resilience she showed after an ankle problem threatened to derail her campaign even before the first serve. Sabalenka entered the final with the historic aim of joining the elite trio of women—Chris Evert, Serena Williams, and herself—who have achieved a New York "three‑peat" in the Open Era. The Belarusian's hopes were dashed as she watched Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, dominate the match. After the first set, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over; a double fault gave Rybakina an early break, and a subsequent code violation for throwing a ball into the stands underscored her mounting agitation.
Throughout the match, Rybakina displayed a blend of power and precision. Her groundstrokes were crisp and aggressive, while her serve remained steady enough to keep Sabalenka on the defensive. The second set saw the Belarusian rally, producing a brilliant drop shot and a cross‑court backhand winner that forced a deciding set.
Yet Rybakina’s composure never wavered. She seized control early in the third, pulling ahead to a 5-2 lead before closing out the championship.
After the win, Sabalenka addressed the media, acknowledging her disappointment but also praising Rybakina’s performance. "I don’t want to give a long speech, but thank you to everyone for the support. Elena has had an incredible year and deserves this victory.
I wish I could have performed better, but there’s next year," she said, before explaining why she had smashed a racket and hurled a ball into the crowd: "It’s hard to contain emotions after losing a Grand Slam final when you were aiming for a three‑peat. I needed to release that aggression." Former champions and commentators weighed in on the result. Martina Navratilova noted, "Usually we see Sabalenka dictating play, but this time Rybakina turned the tables and imposed her game.
It wasn’t Sabalenka who lost; Rybakina earned this win. She’ll have to go back to the drawing board." Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement: "Her previous best at the US Open was the fourth round.
To come in with the pressure of the world’s No.1 ranking and still win the title is extraordinary. She bounced back after a shaky second set and attacked Sabalenka’s serve relentlessly. Her ball‑striking is on another level, and the only Grand Slam left for her is Roland Garros." Laura Robson added, "Both players hit the ball with incredible power, but Rybakina’s backhand was lights‑out from start to finish. Even without crowd support, she never flinched, and that mental toughness made the difference." Rybakina’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the season, having already captured the Australian Open earlier in the year and Wimbledon in 2022.
With victories at three of the four majors, she now only needs a French Open win to complete a career Grand Slam. Her head‑to‑head record against Sabalenka has also improved dramatically, as she secured her second Grand Slam final win over the Belarusian in 2026.
The win also adds to Rybakina’s impressive 2026 statistics: it was her 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th top‑10 win of the year, and her 49th overall win of the season. Her ability to rebound after the ankle scare earlier in the tournament showcases a mental resilience that many analysts believe will define her era at the top of the sport.
Beyond the match itself, the US Open broadcast continued its partnership with Sky Sports, extending coverage through 2030. The tournament also featured other notable storylines, including Alexander Zverev’s warning to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and his own quest for a title after defeating Ben Shelton in the men’s final. Meanwhile, the ATP announced Novak Djokovic’s return to the China Open after an 11‑year hiatus, underscoring the global reach of tennis.
As the celebrations continued in New York, Rybakina’s victory resonated far beyond the confines of Arthur Ashe Stadium. It signaled a shift in the balance of power within women's tennis, with a young, determined champion from Kazakhstan now firmly entrenched at the summit. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Sabalenka responds next season, while Rybakina sets her sights on the French Open, where a career Grand Slam awaits. The US Open final will be remembered not only for the high‑quality tennis but also for the emotional intensity displayed by both competitors.
Rybakina’s calm under pressure and Sabalenka’s passionate, albeit frustrated, effort created a narrative that captured the drama of Grand Slam sport. As the tournament concluded, the tennis world turned its attention to the next chapter: will Rybakina continue her dominant run, and can Sabalenka rebound to chase another historic three‑peat? Only time will tell, but for now, Elena Rybakina stands at the pinnacle of the game, a new world number one with a US Open title to match.