Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top spot in the women's game by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final that handed her a first US Open trophy and cemented her position as the new world number one. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star, who entered the tournament already assured of overtaking Sabalenka in the rankings next week, delivered a composed performance on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2. From the opening point, the atmosphere was electric.
Sabalenka, the top seed and defending champion, was chasing a historic three‑peat – a feat only achieved in the Open era by legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. Rybakina, however, had other plans. Despite a lingering ankle concern that had cast doubt on her campaign before the first serve, the Kazakh proved the injury was merely a footnote, adding the US Open title to her Australian Open triumph earlier this year and her Wimbledon victory in 2022. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the match, Rybakina described the experience as "some magic happening" and reflected on the uncertainty she felt at the start of the week.
"I was unlucky with the injury before the tournament, but my team stayed positive day by day. We didn’t know how things would turn out, so I’m incredibly happy and proud – it still feels surreal," she said.
The final itself unfolded like a classic showdown between the world’s two highest‑ranked players. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, displayed aggressive groundstrokes that often landed with a sting.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, relied on her powerful serve to keep the pressure on. The first set tipped in Rybakina’s favor after a Sabalenka double fault gave the Kazakh an early break, and a subsequent code violation for a ball tossed into the stands highlighted Sabalenka’s growing frustration. While Sabalenka’s irritation mounted with each missed opportunity, Rybakina maintained a calm demeanor, tightening her grip on the opening set and eventually sealing it 6‑4. The second set saw a brief resurgence from the Belarusian, who produced a spectacular drop shot and a crisp backhand winner to force a decider.
Sabalenka roared after a backhand winner that gave her a tight opening game in the third set, but Rybakina’s quality shone through. With a red‑and‑blue framed racket, she surged ahead 5‑2, ultimately closing out the match and denying Sabalenka any major silverware for 2026. In the post‑match press conference, Sabalenka admitted her emotions had boiled over. She recounted smashing a racket and hurling a ball into the crowd, explaining, "It’s hard to control your feelings when you lose a Grand Slam final, especially when you were aiming for a three‑peat.
I needed to release that aggression rather than keep it inside and let it affect my composure on court." Former great Martina Navratilova, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, noted the shift in dynamics: "Usually we see Sabalenka dictating play, putting opponents on the defensive. This time it was Rybakina who forced Sabalenka onto the back foot. It wasn’t that Sabalenka lost; Rybakina earned the win.
She’ll have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to handle a player performing at this level." Former champion Marion Bartoli also praised Rybakina’s resilience, saying, "Her best result here before was the fourth round, yet she carried the weight of the world’s number‑one ranking and still won. The way she bounced back at the start of the third set was extraordinary. She attacked Sabalenka’s serve relentlessly, putting constant pressure.
Her ball‑striking is on another level – she can do anything on the court. The only Grand Slam missing from her collection now is Roland Garros." Laura Robson added, "Both players hit the ball with incredible power and timing, but Rybakina’s backhand was lights out from start to finish. Even without crowd support, she never flinched, while Sabalenka fought hard to mount a comeback in the third set." Rybakina’s victory marks her third Grand Slam title of the season, joining the elite group of players who have won three of the four majors in a single year.
She now needs only the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam. Her record for 2026 is impressive: 41 top‑10 wins, 10 of those this year, and a total of 49 victories overall. The win not only adds a prestigious trophy to Rybakina’s cabinet but also confirms her ascent to the world’s top ranking, a milestone she described as a relief that allowed her to focus on the tournament rather than external distractions. "Everything clicked today," she said, reflecting on a performance that combined mental toughness, tactical acumen, and physical resilience.
The US Open final will be remembered as a turning point in women’s tennis, showcasing the emergence of a new dominant force in Elena Rybakina and signalling a shift in the competitive landscape as she prepares to defend her title and chase the elusive French Open crown in the coming months.