Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's rankings by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that earned her first US Open trophy. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star overcame the defending champion in three sets, 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2, on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, a victory that also guaranteed her the No.1 position in the WTA rankings for the coming week.
From the opening game, the atmosphere was electric. Sabalenka, the tournament's top seed and a two‑time winner at Flushing Meadows, entered the match with the historic aim of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve a New York "three‑peat," joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
Rybakina, meanwhile, was seeking to add a fourth Grand Slam title to her résumé, having already captured the Australian Open earlier in the year and Wimbledon in 2022. The match began with Rybakina displaying her trademark aggressive baseline game, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that resembled a bee. She struck powerful groundstrokes that forced Sabalenka onto the defensive early on. After a brief exchange of serves, a Sabalenka double fault handed Rybakina a 3‑2 lead.
The Belarusian player, visibly frustrated, received a code violation for tossing a ball into the stands, a sign that emotions were already running high. Rybakina kept her composure, methodically building her lead to take the first set 6‑4.
Her serve was steady, and she capitalized on Sabalenka's occasional unforced errors. In the second set, Sabalenka raised her level, producing a dazzling drop shot and a crisp backhand cross‑court winner that briefly gave her hope.
The set progressed tightly, with both players exchanging powerful rallies and spectacular shot‑making. However, a lapse in Rybakina's concentration midway through the set allowed Sabalenka to claw back a few games, but the Kazakh's resilience shone through as she reclaimed momentum and forced a deciding third set. The final set showcased Rybakina's mental toughness.
After a brief surge from Sabalenka, who let out a triumphant roar following a backhand winner to hold serve early, Rybakina surged ahead to a commanding 5‑2 lead. Her racket, wrapped in red and blue tape, seemed to channel her confidence as she closed out the match, sealing a 6‑2 win in the third set and a historic US Open title.
In the post‑match press conference, a visibly emotional Rybakina thanked her team and expressed disbelief at her achievement. "Some magic is happening," she told Sky Sports Tennis. "I was unlucky with the ankle injury before the tournament, but my team stayed positive day by day. I still can't believe it.
I'm super happy and very proud." She added that reaching No.1 had been a relief, but she remained focused on the remaining matches and the significance of winning on such a grand stage. Sabalenka, clearly disappointed, broke down after the loss.
She admitted that controlling her emotions was difficult, especially after the missed opportunity for a three‑peat. "I smashed my racket in frustration and threw a ball into the crowd," she said.
"I needed to let that aggression out, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to speak." Former champions and commentators weighed in on the match. Martina Navratilova noted that Sabalenka is usually the one who dictates play, but this time Rybakina turned the tables, forcing her opponent onto the back foot. "It's not that Sabalenka lost; Rybakina earned the win," Navratilova said. "She'll have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to handle a player performing at this level." Former world No.1 Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina's comeback in the third set, calling it "extraordinary" and praising her ability to attack Sabalenka's serve consistently.
She also pointed out that the only Grand Slam title still missing from Rybakina's collection is the French Open, meaning a career Grand Slam is within reach. Laura Robson, another former champion, emphasized the sheer power and precision displayed by both athletes.
"Rybakina didn't flinch despite the pressure and the lack of crowd support," she said. "Her backhand was lights out from start to finish, and that made the difference today." Rybakina's triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the season, adding to her Australian Open victory and her previous Wimbledon success.
She now holds three of the four majors, with Roland Garros the sole missing piece for a career Grand Slam. Her win also represents her 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th top‑10 win of 2026, and her 49th win overall for the year. The US Open final will be remembered not only for the high‑quality tennis but also for the narrative of resilience and redemption. Rybakina overcame an early‑season ankle injury, silenced doubts, and delivered a performance that cemented her status as the sport's new leader.
Sabalenka, while disappointed, showed the fighting spirit that has defined her career and will undoubtedly return stronger next season. The tournament continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage extending through the end of 2030. Fans can also stream matches via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that the excitement of Flushing Meadows reaches a global audience.