Elena Rybakina produced a stunning performance to defeat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final. The victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium secured Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and confirmed her rise to the world No. 1 ranking.
The 27-year-old Kazakh also ended Sabalenka’s impressive 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows. As a result, Sabalenka missed the opportunity to join Serena Williams and Chris Evert as three-time consecutive US Open champions.
Rybakina Overcomes Injury Concerns
Rybakina entered the tournament with concerns over an ankle injury. However, she managed to overcome those difficulties and produced her best tennis when it mattered most.
The US Open title adds to her successful 2026 season. She previously won the Australian Open this year and claimed Wimbledon in 2022.
“It’s tough to find words … I didn’t expect anything like this coming into the tournament,” said Rybakina, who became only the third woman this century to claim both hardcourt majors in the same year after Sabalenka and Angelique Kerber.
“I’ve been dealing a bit with an injury. Somehow, everything aligned together on my side. Aryna … it’s so difficult to play against you. You push me to the limit.
“I want to say thank you to the beautiful spectators for such a beautiful atmosphere. I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
Sabalenka Fights Back in Second Set
The final lived up to expectations as the world’s top two players battled for the championship.
Rybakina used her powerful groundstrokes to put Sabalenka under pressure. However, the Belarusian responded with strong serving and kept the opening set competitive.
Rybakina eventually secured the first set 6-4.
Sabalenka’s frustration then became visible after she lost an important game. She received a code violation after hitting a ball high into the stands.
“It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the Grand Slam and when you’re trying to go for the ‘three-peat’, so I wanted to let it go,” Sabalenka said.
“If I had held it inside, I wouldn’t be able to say a word.”
The second set looked increasingly difficult for Sabalenka. However, Rybakina suddenly lost some momentum midway through the set.
Sabalenka took advantage of the opening and produced a delicate drop shot and a powerful backhand winner. She eventually forced a deciding set with a 7-5 win.
Rybakina Dominates Deciding Set
Sabalenka started the final set aggressively and held serve in a tense opening game.
Rybakina, however, quickly regained control. Her powerful hitting repeatedly troubled Sabalenka as she built a 5-2 advantage.
She then calmly closed out the match 6-2, securing one of the biggest victories of her career.
The normally reserved Rybakina celebrated without excessive emotion. Meanwhile, Sabalenka sat at her bench after the defeat.
“It’s the last thing I want to do right now, give a speech. But I’ll try my very best,” said a teary Sabalenka, who lost to Rybakina in the Australian Open final this year.
“I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena. I wish I could perform a bit better, but I guess next year.”
Rybakina also collected a $5.5 million prize and received the championship trophy from five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova.
“It’s going to be different to wake up the next morning knowing you’ve won the US Open and achieved the world number one ranking,” Rybakina said.
“It’s a relief, because you do all the routines for the past two to three weeks. It’s a lot of work, a lot of nerves also.”
With the US Open crown, Rybakina has now established herself as one of women’s tennis’ leading stars. Her Grand Slam success and new world No. 1 ranking cap a remarkable season, while Sabalenka will now look ahead to rebuilding her campaign in 2027.
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