Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the world No.1 ranking by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that delivered her first US Open trophy. The 27‑year‑old Kazakhian overcame a challenging start to the tournament, including concerns over an ankle injury, and emerged victorious with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
From the outset, Rybakina entered the championship with a clear objective: to add the US Open title to the Australian Open triumph she secured earlier in the year and to follow up her 2022 Wimbledon victory. Her path to the final was already set to propel her to the top of the WTA rankings, as she had been guaranteed to overtake Sabalenka after the tournament's conclusion. The stakes were high for both competitors, with Sabalenka aiming to become only the third woman in the Open era to achieve a New York "three‑peat," joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. The final itself was a showcase of elite tennis, featuring the top two players in the world.
Rybakina arrived in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that evoked the image of a bee, a nod to her aggressive playing style. She opened the match with powerful groundstrokes and a fierce serve, but Sabalenka responded with her trademark big serves and relentless pressure.
After a tense opening set, Rybakina secured the first set 6-4, capitalising on a double fault from Sabalenka and a subsequent code violation after Sabalenka hurled a ball into the stands. Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, struggled to contain Rybakina’s composure.
While the Belarusian player’s emotions boiled over—resulting in a smashed racket and an outburst of aggression—the Kazakh remained calm, methodically building her lead. The second set saw Sabalenka mount a brief resurgence, employing a deft drop shot and a backhand winner that gave her a fleeting advantage. However, Rybakina’s consistency and superior shot selection allowed her to clinch the deciding set, pulling away to a 6-2 finish.
In the post‑match interview, Rybakina expressed amazement at her achievement, noting, "Some magic is happening. I was so unlucky with the injury before the start of the tournament.
My team stayed positive day by day, and I’m super happy and proud. I still can’t believe it." Her remarks highlighted the mental resilience required to overcome the early injury scare and the pressure of competing for the sport’s most coveted title. Sabalenka, still reeling from the loss, addressed the media with a mixture of disappointment and sportsmanship.
She admitted, "The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech, but I’ll try my best. Thank you to everyone for the support. I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year and a well‑deserved result.
I wish I could have performed a little better, but there’s next year." She also explained her emotional outburst, saying that the frustration of missing a three‑peat drove her to smash a racket and vent her anger in the press conference. Former champions and commentators offered their perspectives on the match. Martina Navratilova observed that Sabalenka was unaccustomed to being on the defensive, noting, "Usually it’s Sabalenka doing the bullying. This time, Rybakina dictated the play and forced Sabalenka into unfamiliar territory." Marion Bartoli praised Rybakina’s mental fortitude, recalling that the Kazakh’s best previous result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round appearance.
Bartoli highlighted how Rybakina shrugged off the pressure of holding the No.1 ranking and rebounded spectacularly after a dip in the second set, ultimately dominating Sabalenka’s serve in the third. Laura Robson added that the final demonstrated the extraordinary skill level of both athletes, emphasizing Rybakina’s flawless backhand as a decisive factor.
She noted that despite Sabalenka’s attempts to mount a comeback, Rybakina’s consistency under pressure was unparalleled. Rybakina’s victory marks her third Grand Slam title of 2026, joining her Australian Open and Wimbledon successes.
She now holds three of the four majors, with only the French Open remaining to complete a career Grand Slam. Her achievements this season also include a series of top‑10 victories, underscoring her dominance on the tour.
Beyond the on‑court drama, the US Open continues to draw global viewership, with Sky Sports securing a three‑year extension to broadcast the tournament through 2030. The event also features notable storylines such as Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP China Open after an 11‑year hiatus and Alexander Zverev’s ongoing rivalry with rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Overall, Rybakina’s triumph in New York not only crowns her as the US Open champion but also cements her status as the world’s top female tennis player. Her ability to navigate injury concerns, maintain composure under immense pressure, and deliver a high‑quality performance against a formidable opponent underscores why she is poised to dominate the sport for years to come.