Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the world No.1 ranking by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final that awarded her first US Open trophy and marked a pivotal moment in her rising career. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh emerged victorious in New York’s iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, overcoming the top‑seeded, defending champion in a three‑set battle that ended 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2. The win not only delivered Rybakina her maiden US Open title but also guaranteed her the No.1 position in the WTA rankings for the first time, a status she was already set to assume the following week after Sabalenka’s points fell short.
In doing so, she joined an elite group of players who have held the top spot while capturing a Grand Slam in the same season. 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," a feat previously accomplished by legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. The Belarusian’s ambition was thwarted as she was left seething in her chair after the final point, even smashing her racket in frustration. Meanwhile, Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, celebrated her third career Grand Slam title with a mixture of relief and exuberance.
Earlier in the tournament, Rybakina’s campaign appeared in jeopardy when an ankle injury threatened to force her withdrawal before the event even began. She managed to play through the discomfort, maintaining a positive outlook with her team and ultimately adding the US Open to an already impressive résumé that includes an Australian Open victory earlier in the year and a Wimbledon triumph in 2022.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the match, a visibly elated Rybakina said, "Some magic is happening. 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." She added that reaching the No.1 ranking had been a relief, but she remained focused on the final, 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." The final itself featured all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the world’s top two players. Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, delivered powerful groundstrokes that often left Sabalenka scrambling. The Belarusian, however, countered with a series of big serves that kept her in contention throughout the match. Sabalenka seized an early advantage in the first set after a double fault from Rybakina gave her a 3‑2 lead.
A subsequent code violation—triggered by Sabalenka hurling a ball into the stands—underscored her mounting frustration. Rybakina’s composure, in contrast, remained unshaken as she tightened her grip on the opening set and secured it with a decisive break.
The second set saw a dip in Rybakina’s intensity, allowing Sabalenka to claw back into the match. The Belarusian produced a spectacular drop shot and a backhand cross‑court winner that forced a deciding third set. After a fierce exchange that saw Sabalenka roar with a backhand winner to take the opening game of the final set, Rybakina regained control, leveraging her superior shot‑making to surge ahead 5‑2. From that point, the Kazakh’s confidence was unassailable.
She closed out the match, delivering a performance that left Sabalenka without a major title for the 2026 season. In the post‑match press conference, Sabalenka expressed disappointment but also admiration for her opponent, stating, "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." When asked about the emotional outburst that saw her break a racket and smash a ball into the crowd, Sabalenka admitted, "It's really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of a Grand Slam and when you were trying to go for a three‑peat. I just wanted to let it go, because if I held it inside, I wouldn't be able to speak or behave properly.
I needed to release that aggression and disappointment." Former champion Martina Navratilova, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, noted the unusual dynamic of the match: "We usually see Sabalenka dictating play, putting opponents on the defensive. This time it was Rybakina doing that to her. It wasn’t that Sabalenka lost; Rybakina earned the win.
It will be back to the drawing board for Sabalenka. What will she do next time if Rybakina continues to play at this level?" Former Grand Slam winner Marion Bartoli added, "Her previous best result here was the fourth round.
To come in with the pressure of the world on her shoulders, knowing she carries the No.1 ranking, and then win the title is extraordinary. The way she bounced back at the start of the third set was phenomenal. She attacked Sabalenka's serve relentlessly, keeping her under constant pressure. Her ball‑striking is simply something else—she can do anything on the court.
The only major she’s missing now is the French Open for a career Grand Slam." Laura Robson, also speaking for Sky Sports, highlighted the sheer power and precision displayed by both athletes: "We were excited about this final for good reason. Rybakina didn’t flinch even without crowd support. Sabalenka tried everything to mount a comeback in the third set, but Rybakina kept hitting her shots. Their timing was phenomenal.
The difference today was Rybakina’s backhand, which was lights out from start to finish." Rybakina’s triumph represents her third Grand Slam title of the year, adding to her Australian Open victory and completing a remarkable run that has seen her win three of the four majors. The only tournament that still eludes her is the French Open, leaving the door open for a career Grand Slam in the near future. Statistically, the win marked several milestones: it was her 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th top‑10 win of the 2026 season, and her 49th win overall this year. With the US Open broadcast live on Sky Sports and streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app, fans worldwide were able to witness this historic moment as it unfolded at Flushing Meadows.
The victory not only crowns Rybakina’s season with a third major but also cements her status as the sport’s new dominant force, setting the stage for future battles with Sabalenka and other top contenders as the tennis world looks ahead to the next Grand Slam events.