Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women’s game by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that earned her a first US Open trophy and guaranteed her ascent to the world No.1 ranking. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh displayed poise and power on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, edging the top‑seed and defending champion 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 to claim the title. The victory was the culmination of a remarkable season for Rybakina.
Earlier in the year she had already lifted the Australian Open trophy, and her résumé also includes a Wimbledon championship from 2022. With the New York win, she completed a rare double‑Grand Slam feat for the calendar year, adding the US Open to her collection of major titles. Sabalenka entered the match with the historic ambition of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles, a distinction previously held by legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. The Belarusian’s hopes were dashed in a dramatic fashion; after the final point she erupted in frustration, smashing her racket into pieces and venting her disappointment in a press conference later that evening.
Rybakina’s path to the final was not without its own obstacles. An ankle injury that surfaced during the tournament’s early rounds raised concerns that she might be forced to withdraw. She and her team, however, managed the setback with cautious optimism, focusing on recovery day by day. In hindsight, the injury proved to be a minor footnote compared to the dominant performance she delivered when it mattered most.
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after the match, Rybakina described the experience as “something magical.” She reflected on the uncertainty that surrounded her preparation, noting, “I was so unlucky with the injury before the start of the tournament. My team stayed positive, and we just took it one day at a time. I still can’t believe it.” She added that reaching the No.1 ranking was a relief, but she remained focused on the match itself, saying, “I knew there were two more matches to win, and this tournament is such a milestone, so I tried not to get distracted by messages.” 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 first set swung in Rybakina’s favour after Sabalenka double‑faulted, giving the Kazakh a 3‑2 lead. A subsequent code violation for a ball tossed high into the stands highlighted Sabalenka’s growing frustration. Throughout the opening set, Rybakina maintained a calm demeanor, methodically building her lead and eventually sealing the set.
In the second set, Sabalenka found a brief resurgence, producing a beautiful drop shot and a crisp backhand winner that pushed the contest to a decisive third set. Yet Rybakina’s consistency proved too much; she surged ahead to a 5‑2 advantage and never looked back, closing out the match with a decisive break and a final score of 6‑2 in the third. After the win, Sabalenka addressed the media with humility, acknowledging Rybakina’s extraordinary season. “I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result.
Well deserved,” she said. She also expressed disappointment in her own performance, noting that she would aim to improve next season. The emotional intensity of the final was evident in Sabalenka’s post‑match interview, where she admitted to smashing a racket and throwing a ball into the crowd out of sheer frustration.
She explained, “It’s hard to control your emotions when you lose a Grand Slam final, especially when you were aiming for a three‑peat. I needed to let that aggression out rather than keep it inside.” Former champions and commentators weighed in on the match.
Martina Navratilova observed that Sabalenka is usually the player who dictates play, but this time Rybakina turned the tables, applying relentless pressure throughout. “It wasn’t that Sabalenka lost; Rybakina earned the win,” Navratilova said, adding that Sabalenka will need to return to the drawing board. Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievement, noting that her previous best result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round appearance.
“To come here with the world’s pressure on your shoulders, knowing you carry the No.1 ranking, and then win the title— that’s extraordinary,” Bartoli remarked. She praised Rybakina’s ability to rebound after a dip in the second set and her relentless attacking of Sabalenka’s serve. Laura Robson, another former player, emphasized the high‑level tennis on display, pointing out that Rybakina’s backhand was “lights out from start to finish.” She praised both athletes for their power and timing, but noted that Rybakina’s composure under pressure set her apart. With this triumph, Rybakina has now claimed three of the four Grand Slam titles in 2026, the French Open remaining the only one she has yet to capture for a career Grand Slam.
Her victory over Sabalenka marks their second Grand Slam final meeting of the year, underscoring a budding rivalry that promises more captivating contests in the seasons ahead. The US Open final, broadcast live on Sky Sports, attracted a packed crowd and generated extensive coverage across multiple platforms, cementing Rybakina’s status as the sport’s new dominant force and confirming her place at the pinnacle of women’s tennis.