Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's tennis rankings by defeating the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final at the US Open, earning her first title at Flushing Meadows and confirming her ascent to world No. 1. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh star overcame a formidable opponent in a three‑set battle, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory not only delivered her maiden US Open trophy but also guaranteed that she would replace Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA rankings in the coming week.
Sabalenka entered the match with the historic goal of joining an elite trio of women—Chris Evert, Serena Williams and herself—who have captured three consecutive US Open titles in the Open Era. The Belarusian’s quest for a "three‑peat" ended abruptly as she slumped into her chair after the final point, visibly upset and later seen smashing her racket into fragments.
Rybakina, meanwhile, celebrated a third Grand Slam triumph, adding the US Open to her Australian Open victory earlier in the season and her Wimbledon title from 2022. The path to New York had not been smooth for Rybakina.
An ankle injury that surfaced before the tournament threatened to curtail her campaign, but she managed the setback with careful treatment and a positive mindset from her team. In post‑match interviews she described the experience as "some magic happening" and expressed disbelief at her achievement, noting that she had taken the tournament day by day while coping with lingering physical concerns.
The final itself featured all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the sport’s two highest‑ranked players. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, unleashed aggressive groundstrokes that contrasted with Sabalenka’s powerful serve.
The opening set saw Rybakina break early, capitalising on a double fault from Sabalenka and a subsequent code violation after the Belarusian hurled a ball into the stands. Rybakina maintained composure, closing the set 6‑4.
Sabalenka fought back in the second set, displaying her trademark intensity with a series of spectacular drop shots and a backhand winner that forced a tie‑break. However, a brief dip in Rybakina’s level allowed the 28‑year‑old Belarusian to claw back a few games before the Kazakh regained momentum and pushed the contest into a decisive third set. The final set unfolded with Sabalenka roaring after each backhand winner, trying to regain the initiative. Yet Rybakina’s consistency and tactical acumen shone through.
She seized a 5‑2 lead, employing a mix of deep topspin drives and precise angles that left Sabalenka scrambling. The Kazakh’s red‑and‑blue framed racket seemed an extension of her will, and she closed out the match 6‑2, denying Sabalenka any major silverware for the 2026 season.
In the press conference, Sabalenka admitted her frustration, saying she would rather not give a speech but felt compelled to thank supporters. She praised Rybakina’s “incredible year” and congratulated her on a well‑deserved victory, while also acknowledging that she would regroup for the next season. The Belarusian also described the emotional difficulty of smashing a racket and venting her disappointment after the loss, explaining that releasing her anger was necessary to avoid internalizing it. Former champions and commentators offered their perspectives.
Martina Navratilova noted that Sabalenka is typically the aggressor, dictating play, but this time Rybakina turned the tables, forcing Sabalenka onto the defensive. Navratilova emphasized that the win belonged to Rybakina, who earned it through superior execution. Former French Open champion Marion Bartoli highlighted Rybakina’s rapid rise, recalling that her best previous result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round appearance.
Bartoli praised the Kazakh’s poise under pressure, especially her ability to rebound after a shaky second set and dominate Sabalenka’s serve. She added that the only Grand Slam title missing from Rybakina’s résumé is the French Open, which would complete a career Grand Slam.
Laura Robson, another former player, remarked on the sheer intensity of the final, noting that both athletes displayed extraordinary timing and power. She singled out Rybakina’s backhand as “lights out” throughout the match, a key factor that set her apart in the crucial moments. Rybakina’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the year, joining an exclusive group of players who have captured three majors in a single season. With victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and now the US Open, she stands just one tournament away from a career Grand Slam, the French Open being the sole missing piece.
Her win also adds to an impressive tally of top‑10 victories for 2026, bringing her total to 49 wins overall and 10 against top‑10 opponents this season. The US Open will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports through 2030, with live coverage, scores, and commentary available via the Sky Sports app and NOW streaming service. The tournament’s conclusion underscores a shifting landscape in women’s tennis, as Rybakina’s rise challenges established powerhouses and sets the stage for new rivalries in the years ahead.