Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's rankings by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final that awarded her first title at Flushing Meadows. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh emerged victorious in a three‑set battle, outlasting the top‑seed and defending champion 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
With this win, Rybakina not only added a prestigious Grand Slam trophy to her résumé but also guaranteed that she will replace Sabalenka as world No.1 in the WTA rankings when the new points are released next week. 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 aspirations were shattered as she sat dejectedly in her chair after the final point, visibly upset and even smashing her racket in frustration. In contrast, Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, celebrated her third Grand Slam triumph with a composed smile, having already captured the Australian Open earlier in the season and Wimbledon back in 2022. The Kazakh’s path to the final had not been straightforward.
An ankle injury that surfaced in the weeks leading up to the tournament threatened to derail her campaign. Rybakina, however, managed the setback with a careful rehabilitation program and a positive mindset from her support team. She described the experience to Sky Sports Tennis as "some magic happening" and admitted she felt "unlucky" with the injury but remained grateful for the steady progress her team made each day.
"I’m super happy and very proud; I still can’t believe it," she said after the match. The final itself featured all the elements of a classic showdown between the sport’s two highest‑ranked players.
Rybakina arrived on court in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that evoked a bee, a nod perhaps to the sting she intended to deliver with her groundstrokes. While Sabalenka opened the match with powerful serves and aggressive play, the Kazakh’s consistency and tactical poise soon tipped the balance.
She claimed the first set 6‑4 after a crucial double‑fault from Sabalenka and a subsequent code violation when the Belarusian launched a ball high into the stands in frustration. The second set saw a brief resurgence from Sabalenka, who produced a beautiful drop shot and a backhand winner to force a deciding set. Yet Rybakina’s composure never wavered; she kept her focus, tightened her grip on the rally, and maintained a high first‑serve percentage. As the third set unfolded, Rybakina surged ahead, building a 5‑2 lead that proved insurmountable for Sabalenka.
The Kazakh closed out the match with a decisive break, sealing a 6‑2 final set and a 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 victory overall. In the post‑match press conference, Sabalenka expressed disappointment but also respect for her opponent. "I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result. Well deserved.
Enjoy it tonight and have fun," she said, adding that she hoped to improve her performance next year. She also recounted the emotional difficulty of watching her racket shatter after the loss, explaining that releasing her frustration was necessary to avoid bottling up negative feelings. Former champions and commentators offered their insights. Martina Navratilova noted that the match defied expectations, as Sabalenka is usually the one dictating play.
"It was Rybakina who was on the attack, and I didn’t expect that," Navratinova remarked, suggesting Sabalenka will need to return to the drawing board. Former world No.1 Marion Bartoli highlighted Rybakina’s rapid rise, pointing out that the Kazakh’s previous best result at the US Open had been only a fourth‑round appearance. "To come in with the pressure of the No.1 ranking and win the title is extraordinary," Bartoli said, praising Rybakina’s ability to rebound after a dip in the second set. Analyst Laura Robson emphasized the sheer power and precision displayed by both athletes, but she singled out Rybakina’s backhand as a decisive factor.
"From start to finish, her backhand was lights out," Robson observed, noting that even under intense pressure, Rybakina never flinched. With this victory, Rybakina has now secured three of the four Grand Slam titles in her career; the only one missing for a career Grand Slam remains the French Open at Roland Garros. Her 2026 season has been remarkable: a win at the Australian Open, a Wimbledon title in 2022, and now the US Open, alongside a series of top‑10 wins that underscore her dominance on the tour.
The US Open will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports through a three‑year extension lasting until the end of 2030, offering fans worldwide the chance to follow the drama of tennis’s final major of the year. The tournament’s schedule, draws, and live scores remain accessible via the Sky Sports app and NOW streaming platform, ensuring that viewers can keep up with every rally, upset, and historic moment as the season draws to a close.