Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's tennis rankings by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her a first US Open title and confirmed her ascent to world No. 1.
The 27‑year‑old Kazakh, who had already been assured of overtaking Sabalenka in the rankings the following week, delivered a composed and powerful performance on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning the match 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2. The victory was especially significant for Rybakina because it came after an ankle injury threatened to derail her campaign before the tournament even began. Despite concerns about her fitness, she managed to stay healthy enough to navigate a demanding draw and ultimately add the US Open trophy to the Australian Open title she secured earlier in the season and her 2022 Wimbledon triumph. In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Rybakina described the experience as "some magic" and expressed amazement at how she overcame the early setback of the injury, saying, "I was so unlucky with the injury before the start of the tournament.
I was going day by day and my team were quite positive. Even in the beginning we didn't know how it was going to be, so I'm super happy and very proud. I still can't believe it." Sabalenka entered the final with the historic goal of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve a New York "three‑peat," joining the ranks of Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
The Belarusian, however, was left empty‑handed as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam crown. Frustrated, Sabalenka smashed her racket into pieces on the court, a dramatic display of disappointment that underscored the high stakes of the encounter. The match itself featured all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the top two players in the world. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black outfit reminiscent of a bee, produced sharp, penetrating groundstrokes that contrasted with Sabalenka's powerful serve.
The first set saw Rybakina seize an early advantage, breaking Sabalenka after a double fault and capitalizing on a code violation that followed a ball lobbed into the stands. Rybakina held her composure, closing the opening set 6‑4.
Sabalenka fought back in the second set, displaying her trademark aggression with a series of impressive drop shots and backhand winners that forced a deciding set. She managed to take the second set 7‑5, giving the match a dramatic swing and setting up a tense final set. In the third set, Rybakina's consistency and mental fortitude shone through.
She built a commanding 5‑2 lead, eventually sealing the set 6‑2 and the match. After the win, Rybakina reflected on the pressure of playing the final as the new world No. 1, saying, "I was relieved to get to No 1 but I knew there were two more matches to push and it would be such a milestone winning the tournament here, so I was focused and trying not to see too many messages. Everything was working today." Sabalenka, visibly upset, addressed the media later, acknowledging Rybakina's outstanding season while expressing personal disappointment.
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 broke her racket and vented her frustration, noting that losing a Grand Slam final while attempting a historic three‑peat makes it difficult to contain emotions. "I just wanted to let it go, because if I held it inside, I wouldn't be able to say a word," Sabalenka said.
Commentators from Sky Sports Tennis offered their analysis. Martina Navratilova observed that Sabalenka is usually the aggressor, dictating play and forcing opponents onto the defensive. This time, however, it was Rybakina who took the initiative, unsettling Sabalenka's rhythm. Navratilova added, "It's not that Sabalenka lost the match, Rybakina won it.
She earned that win. It will be back to the drawing board for Sabalenka.
What will she do next time if Rybakina is playing this well?" Former champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the magnitude of Rybakina's achievement, noting that her previous best result at the US Open had been only a fourth‑round appearance. "It's extraordinary to come here with the pressure of the world, knowing you have the No 1 ranking on your racket, and actually win the title," Bartoli said. She praised Rybakina's resilience, especially after a dip in the second set, and lauded her ability to attack Sabalenka's serve consistently. Bartoli also pointed out that the only Grand Slam still missing from Rybakina's résumé is the French Open, meaning a career Grand Slam is within reach.
Laura Robson, another former professional, emphasized the high quality of both finalists, noting that even without crowd support, Rybakina never flinched. She highlighted Rybakina's backhand as a decisive factor, describing it as "lights out from start to finish." Robson also praised the overall intensity of the match, stating that both players hit the ball with phenomenal timing and power. Rybakina's triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of 2026, adding to her Australian Open victory earlier in the year and completing three of the four majors. The only tournament she has yet to win is the French Open, leaving a career Grand Slam as a tantalizing goal.
Her head‑to‑head record against Sabalenka now includes two Grand Slam final wins in the same season, underscoring a budding rivalry at the very top of women's tennis. The US Open final, broadcast live on Sky Sports, drew a packed crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium and generated extensive coverage across multiple platforms. The tournament will continue to be shown on Sky Sports through a three‑year extension that runs until the end of 2030, ensuring fans can follow the drama of the final Grand Slam of the year.
In summary, Elena Rybakina's victory over Aryna Sabalenka not only delivered a spectacular match for the spectators in New York but also cemented her status as the world’s leading female player. Her ability to overcome injury concerns, manage immense pressure, and execute a high‑level game plan against a formidable opponent showcases why she is poised to dominate the sport for years to come.