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 Kazakhstani player overcame the top‑seed and defending champion in a three‑set battle, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. With the victory, Rybakina not only added a coveted Grand Slam title to her résumé but also ensured she would replace Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA rankings in the upcoming week.
The match carried added significance for Sabalenka, who was 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. Instead, the Belarusian left the court in a fit of frustration, smashing her racket into fragments as Rybakina celebrated her third career Grand Slam title. Rybakina's path to the championship was not without obstacles.
An ankle injury that threatened to derail her campaign surfaced before the tournament began, prompting concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless, she brushed off the doubts, drawing on the momentum from her Australian Open triumph earlier in the year and her Wimbledon victory in 2022.
"Some magic is happening," she told Sky Sports Tennis, reflecting on her recovery. "I was unlucky with the injury at the start, but my team stayed positive and we took it day by day. I’m still in disbelief and extremely proud." The final itself featured all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the world’s two top players. Dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble reminiscent of a bee, Rybakina delivered sharp, penetrating groundstrokes, while Sabalenka countered with her trademark power serve.
The first set saw Rybakina claim an early advantage, breaking Sabalenka after a double fault and sealing the set 6‑4. Sabalenka’s frustration was evident when she received a code violation for tossing a ball into the stands immediately after the break. The second set swung in Sabalenka’s favor.
She raised her level, executing a dazzling drop shot and a crisp backhand cross‑court winner that forced a deciding set. After a tense opening game of the third set, Sabalenka let out a triumphant roar following another backhand winner. Yet Rybakina’s composure never wavered.
With a red‑and‑blue framed racket in hand, she surged ahead to a 5‑2 lead, eventually closing out the match and leaving Sabalenka without a major title for the 2026 season. Post‑match, Sabalenka admitted the emotional toll of the loss. "I don’t really want to give a speech right now, but thank you all for the support," she said. She congratulated Rybakina on an "incredible year" and expressed hope for future success, adding, "I wish I could have performed a little better, but there’s next year." During the press conference, Sabalenka also explained why she smashed a racket and hurled a ball into the crowd.
"It’s hard to control emotions after losing a Grand Slam final when you were chasing a three‑peat," she explained. "I needed to release that aggression; keeping it inside would have made me unable to speak properly." Former great Martina Navratilova, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, noted the unusual dynamics of the match. "Usually we see Sabalenka dictating play, but this time it was Rybakina who forced her onto the defensive," Navratilova observed.
"Rybakina earned this win; now Sabalenka must return to the drawing board." Former champion Marion Bartoli also praised Rybakina’s performance, highlighting the rapid progression from a fourth‑round exit in previous years to lifting the trophy. "She handled the pressure of being world No.1 and still managed to win," Bartoli said.
"Her ability to bounce back after a shaky second set and dominate the third was extraordinary. She’s now just missing the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam." Laura Robson, another former player, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Rybakina’s mental toughness. "Even without crowd support, she never flinched," Robson remarked.
"Her backhand was lights‑out from start to finish, and she kept hitting her shots under immense pressure." Rybakina’s triumph marks her third Grand Slam title of the year, joining the elite group of players who have captured three of the four majors in a single season. The only tournament that still eludes her is Roland Garros, which would complete the career Grand Slam. Her victory also adds to an impressive tally of top‑10 wins for 2026, including her 41st and 49th victories of the season.
Beyond the personal milestones, the win underscores a shifting landscape in women’s tennis, with a new generation of players challenging established stars. Rybakina’s blend of power, precision, and composure suggests she could dominate the sport for years to come, while Sabalenka will likely regroup and aim to reclaim her place at the top.
The US Open final was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans worldwide could witness the historic moment. The tournament, which runs through the end of August, continues to deliver high‑stakes drama as the tennis calendar heads toward its final Grand Slam of the year.