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 handed her first New York title and guaranteed her the world No.1 ranking. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star overcame a challenging start to the tournament, including a lingering ankle issue, and emerged victorious in a three‑set battle that ended 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. From the opening point, the atmosphere was electric.
Sabalenka, the defending champion and top seed, entered the match with the historic goal of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles—a feat previously achieved by legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. Rybakina, however, had other plans. Clad in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that reminded observers of a buzzing bee, she unleashed a series of aggressive groundstrokes that set the tone for the encounter. The first set unfolded as a tight contest.
Sabalenka’s powerful serve gave her early leverage, but a crucial double fault at 2‑2 handed Rybakina a break opportunity. Capitalizing on the moment, the Kazakh player surged ahead, eventually sealing the set 6‑4.
Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, received a code violation after she tossed a ball high into the stands, an early sign of the mounting tension. The second set saw Sabalenka rally, displaying the resilience that has defined her career.
She produced a spectacular drop shot and a crisp backhand winner that forced Rybakina to dig deep. At 4‑4, Sabalenka broke serve, pushing the set to a decisive moment.
Yet Rybakina’s composure never wavered. She fought back with a series of precise returns, and after a tense exchange, she clinched the set 7‑5, sending the match into a decisive third set. Entering the final set, the crowd sensed history in the making. Sabalenka, determined to salvage a three‑peat, roared after a powerful backhand winner that gave her an early lead.
Nevertheless, Rybakina’s quality shone through. Her red‑and‑blue framed racket became a blur as she seized a commanding 5‑2 advantage, displaying a blend of power, precision, and tactical acumen that left her opponent scrambling.
When the final point was struck, Rybakina celebrated not only a personal milestone but also a historic one: she became the first player in 2026 to claim three different Grand Slam titles, having already won the Australian Open earlier in the year and Wimbledon in 2022. The victory also marked her second Grand Slam triumph of the season, bringing her one step closer to completing a career Grand Slam—only the French Open remains elusive. In the post‑match press conference, a visibly emotional Rybakina reflected on her journey.
"Some magic is happening," she told Sky Sports Tennis. "I was unlucky with the 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 very proud." Sabalenka, still reeling from the loss, expressed disappointment but also admiration for her opponent. "I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result. Well deserved.
Enjoy it tonight and have fun. I wish I could have performed a little better, but there’s next year," she said, adding that she had smashed a racket in frustration, a physical outlet for the surge of emotions that accompany a Grand Slam final defeat.
Former champions offered their perspectives. Martina Navratilova noted that Sabalenka is usually the aggressor, saying, "Usually it's Sabalenka doing the bullying. This time it was Rybakina dictating the play, and I didn’t expect that. It will be back to the drawing board for Sabalenka." Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement, especially given her previous best result at Flushing Meadows was only a fourth‑round appearance.
"To come here with the pressure of the world on your shoulders, knowing you carry the No.1 ranking, and still win the title—that's extraordinary," Bartoli remarked. She also pointed out that Rybakina now needs only the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.
Laura Robson praised both competitors for their resilience, noting that Rybakina never flinched despite the lack of crowd support, and that her backhand was "lights out" throughout the match. The win also secured Rybakina’s ascent to the top of the WTA rankings, a position she was already slated to assume the following week after Sabalenka’s points fell. With this triumph, she added a third Grand Slam trophy to her cabinet, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s dominant forces in 2026. Beyond the match itself, the US Open continued to attract global attention, with Sky Sports extending its broadcast rights through 2030 and featuring other marquee matchups, such as Alexander Zverev’s victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP China Open after an eleven‑year hiatus added further intrigue to the tennis calendar. Rybakina’s journey from a promising talent to a Grand Slam champion underscores the depth of talent in women’s tennis today. Her ability to overcome injury, maintain composure under pressure, and execute a game plan that neutralized Sabalenka’s power serves as a blueprint for aspiring players. As the season progresses, fans will watch closely to see if she can capture the remaining French Open title and complete the coveted career Grand Slam, cementing her legacy alongside the sport’s all‑time greats.
The US Open will return next year, promising more drama, high‑stakes battles, and the chance for new champions to emerge. For now, Elena Rybakina can savor her hard‑won victory, her third major crown, and the affirmation that she truly belongs at the summit of the tennis world.