Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the world No.1 ranking by defeating the two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her a first US Open trophy and marked a pivotal moment in her career. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh displayed poise and power on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, edging the top‑seeded, defending champion 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 to claim the title.
The victory also ensured that Rybakina would replace Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA rankings in the coming week, a change that had already been mathematically guaranteed. Sabalenka entered the match 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. Instead, after a hard‑fought battle, she was left seething in her chair, smashing her racket in frustration as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam triumph. The Kazakh’s win added a US Open crown to her Australian Open victory earlier in the year and her Wimbledon title from 2022, completing an impressive collection of major titles.
Rybakina’s path to the final had not been without drama. An ankle injury threatened to derail her campaign before the tournament even began, prompting concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level. She and her team managed the issue carefully, taking a day‑by‑day approach and maintaining a positive outlook. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Rybakina described the experience as "some magic happening" and expressed disbelief at her achievement, noting that she had felt "unlucky" with the injury but was grateful for her team's support.
The final itself was a showcase of top‑tier tennis. Both players entered the match as the two highest‑ranked women in the sport, and the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for what many pundits described as a potential classic.
Rybakina arrived in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that evoked the image of a bee, and she delivered a series of aggressive groundstrokes that set the tone early. Sabalenka, known for her powerful serve, responded with big, flat deliveries that kept the points close. The opening set saw Rybakina claim an early break after a Sabalenka double fault, taking a 3‑2 lead. The Belarusian player, visibly irritated, received a code violation for throwing a ball into the stands.
Throughout the set, Sabalenka’s frustration grew with each missed opportunity, while Rybakina maintained a composed demeanor, tightening her grip on the first set and closing it out with a solid hold. In the second set, Sabalenka raised her level, producing a spectacular drop shot and a crisp backhand cross‑court winner that gave her a brief surge.
She managed to force a deciding third set, roaring after a backhand winner to hold serve in the opening game. However, Rybakina’s quality resurfaced; her forehand and backhand were crisp, and she used her red‑and‑blue framed racket to dominate from 5‑2 onward, eventually sealing the match and leaving Sabalenka without a major title for the 2026 season. After the match, Sabalenka addressed the media, admitting that she was overwhelmed with emotion.
She said, "The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech, but I'll try my very best. Thank you everyone.
Thank you for all your support. 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 bit better, but I guess there's next year." She also explained why she smashed a racket and hurled a ball into the crowd, noting that it was difficult to contain her feelings after losing a Grand Slam final when she had been aiming for a historic three‑peat.
Former great Martina Navratilova, speaking for Sky Sports Tennis, observed that Sabalenka is usually the more aggressive player, often dictating play and forcing opponents onto the defensive. In this match, however, it was Rybakina who imposed her game, catching Sabalenka off‑balance. Navratilova emphasized that Rybakina earned the win and that Sabalenka will need to return to the drawing board to adjust her strategy against a player performing at such a high level.
Former champion Marion Bartoli added that Rybakina’s run was extraordinary, especially considering her previous best result at the US Open had been only the fourth round. Bartoli praised Rybakina’s mental resilience, noting how she quickly recovered after a dip in the second set and attacked Sabalenka’s serve with relentless pressure.
She highlighted that the Kazakh’s only missing piece for a career Grand Slam is a French Open title. Commentator Laura Robson highlighted the quality of both athletes, pointing out that Rybakina never flinched despite the lack of crowd support and that her backhand was "lights out" throughout the match. Robson also remarked on the sheer power and timing displayed by both players, underscoring the high standard of play in a Grand Slam final.
Rybakina’s triumph marked her third Grand Slam title of the year, bringing her total to three of the four majors. The only tournament that still eludes her is Roland Garros, which would complete a career Grand Slam. With this victory, she not only secured the US Open trophy but also cemented her status as the dominant force in women’s tennis for 2026, having defeated Sabalenka in two major finals this season and racking up a series of top‑10 wins. The US Open continues to be broadcast on Sky Sports, with a three‑year extension guaranteeing coverage through 2030.
Fans can also stream matches via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, ensuring that the excitement of the tournament reaches a global audience. The final, and Rybakina’s ascent to the top of the rankings, will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2026 tennis season.