Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the world No.1 ranking by toppling two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her first US Open title. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh, who had already clinched the Australian Open earlier in the year and added a Wimbledon triumph to her résumé in 2022, entered the match as the underdog against the top‑seeded, defending champion.
In a three‑set battle on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rybakina emerged victorious with a 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 scoreline. The win not only handed Rybakina her maiden US Open trophy but also guaranteed her ascent to the top of the WTA rankings, a position she was slated to assume the following week regardless of the match outcome. Sabalenka, who had been chasing a rare "three‑peat" in the Open era—a feat achieved only by legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams—was left seething after the defeat, famously smashing her racket in frustration.
Meanwhile, Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam title, joining an elite group of players who have captured multiple majors. Rybakina's path to the final was anything but smooth. An ankle injury threatened to derail her campaign before the tournament even began, prompting doubts about her ability to compete at the highest level. She dismissed those concerns, focusing on a day‑by‑day recovery plan and leaning on a supportive team that remained optimistic throughout.
In post‑match comments to Sky Sports Tennis, she described the experience as "some magic" and expressed disbelief at her achievement, noting how lucky she felt to have overcome the injury and win despite the odds. The final itself featured all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the sport's two highest‑ranked women.
Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, delivered powerful groundstrokes that often landed with a sting. Sabalenka, however, countered with big serves and aggressive play, forcing Rybakina to dig deep.
The first set swung in Rybakina's favor after Sabalenka double‑faulted and then incurred a code violation for throwing a ball into the stands. Maintaining composure, Rybakina closed the opening set with a tight hold. The second set saw a resurgence from Sabalenka, who produced a dazzling drop shot and a crisp backhand winner to level the match. She roared triumphantly after a backhand winner in the opening game of the third set, but Rybakina's consistency and tactical acumen proved decisive.
Using a red‑and‑blue framed racket, she built a commanding 5‑2 lead in the final set, eventually sealing the championship and leaving Sabalenka without a major title for the 2026 season. In the post‑match press conference, a visibly upset Sabalenka admitted she struggled to control her emotions, explaining that she smashed a ball into the crowd and broke a racket as an outlet for her disappointment. She praised Rybakina's performance, calling the result "well deserved" and expressing hope for future success. Former great Martina Navratilova, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, noted that Sabalenka is typically the dominant force in matches, but this time Rybakina dictated play, forcing the Belarusian to adjust to an unfamiliar dynamic.
Former champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina's achievement, pointing out that the Kazakh had never progressed beyond the fourth round at the US Open before this year. Bartoli emphasized how Rybakina handled the pressure of carrying the No.1 ranking on her shoulders, rebounded after a dip in the second set, and relentlessly attacked Sabalenka's serve. She also noted that the only Grand Slam title missing from Rybakina's collection is the French Open, leaving a career Grand Slam within reach. Laura Robson, another former pro, praised both athletes for their extraordinary shot‑making under pressure.
She singled out Rybakina's backhand as "lights out" throughout the match, suggesting that the Kazakh's ability to stay composed without crowd support was a key factor in her triumph. Rybakina's victory marks her third Grand Slam title of the season, adding to her Australian Open win and cementing her status as one of the sport's dominant forces. With two Grand Slam finals victories over Sabalenka this year, she has amassed a total of 41 top‑10 wins, including 10 against top‑10 opponents in 2026 alone, and 49 overall victories for the year.
The win also positions her one tournament away—at Roland Garros—from completing a career Grand Slam. The US Open final, broadcast live on Sky Sports, attracted a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium and generated extensive coverage across multiple platforms. Viewers were reminded to use Chrome for an optimal video experience, and the tournament's coverage has been extended through 2030 under a new three‑year agreement with Sky Sports.
As the tennis world looks ahead, Rybakina's rise to No.1 and her impressive Grand Slam haul suggest she will be a formidable contender in the upcoming seasons, while Sabalenka will likely regroup and aim to reclaim her place among the elite.