Elena Rybakina solidified her claim to the top of the women's rankings by defeating two‑time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, clinching her first US Open title on the iconic courts of New York. The 27‑year‑old Kazakhstani star overcame the defending champion in a three‑set battle, winning 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory not only handed Rybakina her maiden US Open trophy but also guaranteed her ascent to the world No.1 ranking as soon as the next weekly update. She had already been assured of overtaking Sabalenka after the tournament, and the win removed any doubt about her place at the summit of the sport.
Sabalenka entered the final with the historic ambition of becoming only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve a New York "three‑peat," joining legends Chris Evert and Serena Williams. Instead, she left the court in a fit of frustration, smashing her racket and venting her disappointment as Rybakina celebrated her third Grand Slam triumph.
Earlier in the week, concerns had been raised about Rybakina's ankle, which had been injured during preparation for the US Open. The ailment threatened to derail her campaign before it even began, but the Kazakh player shrugged off the worries, drawing on the confidence built from her Australian Open victory earlier in the year and her Wimbledon title in 2022. In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Rybakina described the experience as "some magic" and admitted she had been "unlucky" with the injury, noting that her team kept a positive outlook day by day.
"I still can’t believe it," she said, expressing both relief at reaching No.1 and pride in winning the tournament. The final itself had all the hallmarks of a classic showdown between the top two players in the world.
Rybakina, dressed in a striking yellow‑and‑black ensemble that evoked a bee, unleashed aggressive groundstrokes that often landed with a sting. Sabalenka, the second seed, countered with powerful serves and tried to impose her usual rhythm.
The opening set saw Rybakina break first, taking a 3‑2 lead after Sabalenka double‑faulted and then receiving a code violation for throwing a ball into the stands. While Sabalenka's frustration grew with each missed shot, Rybakina remained composed, tightening her grip on the first set and eventually sealing it. The second set shifted momentum briefly. Sabalenka found a brief resurgence, producing a spectacular drop shot and a crisp backhand winner that forced a third set.
Her energy was evident as she roared after a backhand winner to hold serve early in the deciding set. However, Rybakina's quality resurfaced; wielding a red‑and‑blue framed racket, she surged ahead to a 5‑2 advantage and maintained control, ultimately delivering a decisive victory that left Sabalenka without a major title for the 2026 season. Post‑match, Sabalenka addressed the press, expressing gratitude to her supporters and congratulating Rybakina on an "incredible year" and a "well‑deserved" result.
She admitted she would have liked a stronger performance but hinted at a comeback next year. The emotional intensity of the loss was evident when Sabalenka described breaking her racket and smashing a ball into the crowd, explaining that she needed to release her anger rather than bottle it up on the court.
Former great Martina Navratilova, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, noted that Sabalenka is typically the aggressor, the player who dictates play and forces opponents onto the defensive. This time, however, Rybakina turned the tables, applying relentless pressure and dictating the tempo.
Navratilova emphasized that Rybakina earned the win and that Sabalenka now faces a new challenge: figuring out how to respond when Rybakina is playing at such a high level. Former champion Marion Bartoli highlighted the significance of Rybakina's achievement, pointing out that her previous best result at the US Open had been a fourth‑round appearance. To come in as world No.1, handle the weight of expectation, and capture the title is extraordinary.
Bartoli praised Rybakina's ability to rebound after a dip in the second set, noting her relentless attack on Sabalenka's serve and the exceptional quality of her ball‑striking. She added that the only Grand Slam still missing from Rybakina's résumé is the French Open, which would complete a career Grand Slam. Former British player Laura Robson also weighed in, remarking that both finalists displayed phenomenal timing and power.
She singled out Rybakina's backhand as "lights out" throughout the match, allowing her to stay composed even when faced with Sabalenka's attempts to mount a comeback. With this triumph, Rybakina secured her third Grand Slam title of the year, joining an elite group of players who have captured three of the four majors in a single season.
Her record now includes victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, leaving only Roland Garros as the missing piece for a career Grand Slam. The win also marked her 41st top‑10 victory, her 10th such win of 2026, and her 49th win overall for the season. The US Open final was broadcast live on Sky Sports, with extended coverage and analysis from a panel of former champions.
The tournament continues to be a showcase for high‑stakes drama, and Rybakata's ascent to world No.1 signals a new era in women's tennis, where the rivalry between her and Sabalenka promises further compelling chapters in the years ahead.