Elena Rybakina capped a breakthrough season by holding her nerve against Aryna Sabalenka to win her first US Open title at Flushing Meadows. In an electric three-set battle, Rybakina outperformed the defending champion 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, showing resilience after dropping the second set. With this win, the Kazakh star seizes her second major of 2026 and overtakes Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings. The compelling final marked an impressive reversal of fortunes for Rybakina at the US Open and brought Sabalenka’s title streak in New York to a close.
High-Stakes Final Delivers Tension and Quality
Saturday’s final was a clash between the tour’s dominant forces, with Rybakina and Sabalenka meeting as the world’s top two players. Their latest encounter extended a high-stakes Grand Slam rivalry, after Rybakina’s earlier Australian Open triumph over Sabalenka. Rybakina took early control in the first set through powerful serves, managing 10 aces and 30 winners, while Sabalenka’s frustrations surfaced in critical moments—she was even penalized for striking a ball into the stands after double-faulting. Despite a partisan crowd rooting for the Belarusian, Rybakina’s consistency on serve and composure under pressure put her in the driver’s seat from the outset.
Sabalenka, hoping for a third straight US Open crown, battled back gamely to claim the second set and force a decider. Her competitive intensity was evident throughout, though it occasionally spilled into visible frustration on court. This resilience, however, could not sustain her in the third set against Rybakina’s renewed focus and clean hitting. The contest, played out over two and a half gripping hours, was a showcase of modern power tennis at its finest.
Rybakina’s Resilience Shines Through Pressure
Rybakina’s path to the final was marked by both promise and challenges. She reached her first New York final by overcoming Coco Gauff in the semifinals, rallying from a set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Sabalenka booked her spot after dispatching Jessica Pegula in straight sets, setting up a final between players who had already met in three Grand Slam finals. Coming into the championship showdown, both had spoken about the strain and rewards of life at the sport’s summit.
Rybakina’s ability to rebound after squandering her opening match point with a double fault epitomized her resilience. She immediately regrouped, firing a decisive ace to seal victory on her second opportunity. Throughout, she remained composed, converting three of 12 break-point chances and winning an impressive 85% of her first-serve points. Her adaptable return game consistently pressured Sabalenka, forcing errors and shifting the momentum at key junctures. In post-match reflections, Rybakina credited her team and highlighted the surprise elements of her success—especially after injury setbacks earlier in the year.
A New Era: No. 1 Ranking and Historic Rewards
Rybakina’s triumph in New York not only secured her first US Open title but also propelled her to the top of the world rankings, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week reign as No. 1. The win was especially meaningful as it marked her first progress beyond the fourth round at the tournament after a decade of attempts. Rybakina’s $7.67 million prize stands as the largest winner’s check in Grand Slam history, reflecting the US Open’s growing prestige and her status among the game’s elite.
Her third career major leaves her tied with both Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for the most titles this season. Sabalenka’s runner-up finish was characterized by determination, but her disappointment showed after the match as she vented frustration and reflected on missed opportunities. For Rybakina, the final was a moment of both celebration and personal vindication—a testament to the perseverance and belief required at the highest level. With the world’s attention on Flushing Meadows, women’s tennis enters a new era led by an athlete whose ambitions and ability are now fully realized. For more on the men’s final, see our article on Zverev’s US Open victory.
Questions and answers
How did Elena Rybakina defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final?
Rybakina overcame Sabalenka in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, using powerful serving and consistent baseline play. She converted three break-point chances and delivered 10 aces to secure her first US Open title.
What does this title mean for Rybakina’s career and ranking?
The US Open win is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her first at Flushing Meadows. It also moves her to No. 1 in the WTA rankings, ending Sabalenka’s long reign at the top of the sport.
How did Aryna Sabalenka react to her loss in the final?
Sabalenka was visibly frustrated during and after the final, showing her emotions with racquet smashes and candid post-match comments. She congratulated Rybakina but found it difficult to hide her disappointment at missing a third consecutive US Open crown.
