Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open women’s singles title, capturing her third Grand Slam and rising to world No. 1.
Elena Rybakina Dethrones Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Historic US Open Crown
Elena Rybakina produced a masterclass of power and poise under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open. With this hard-fought victory, the stellar Kazakh star captured her first title at Flushing Meadows, secured her second Grand Slam crown of the season following her Australian Open triumph, and officially claimed the world No. 1 ranking. For Sabalenka, the loss brought a heartbreaking end to her dominant 20-match winning streak in New York and shattered her dream of achieving a historic three-peat.
A Blazing Start and a Tense Opening Set
The championship showdown began with a ferocious pace as both athletes tested each other’s heavy baseline artillery. Sabalenka came out firing with explosive serves and held firm in a pulsating opening game. However, Rybakina quickly found her rhythm, utilizing her legendary ice-cold composure and pinpoint accuracy. See also:Â Elena Rybakina Defeats Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to Claim World No. 1
The critical turning point of the first set arrived in the fifth game. After applying relentless pressure, Rybakina forced Sabalenka into a series of errors, capitalized on a costly double fault from the Belarusian, and broke serve to take a 3-2 lead. From there, the Kazakh star consolidated her advantage smoothly, hammering down aces and dictating the tempo with clean, aggressive groundstrokes. Despite a brief fightback, Elena Rybakina closed out the opening set 6-4 after 44 minutes, leaving Sabalenka searching for answers.
Sabalenka Fights Back in a Gritty Second Set
Refusing to surrender her crown without a fierce fight, Sabalenka raised her intensity at the start of the second set. A slight drop-off in Rybakina’s first-serve percentage opened the door for the world No. 2, who began finding success with delicate drop shots and stunning cross-court winners.
Sabalenka’s frustration had boiled over earlier in the match with a code violation, but she channeled that competitive fire into brilliant tennis when it mattered most. She broke Rybakina late in the set, letting out a massive roar after securing a tight service hold to edge ahead and claim the second set 7-5. By leveling the match, Sabalenka forced a tense, deciding third set and shifted the momentum squarely onto her side.
Elena Rybakina Pulls Away in the Decisive Third Set
Any hopes of a complete Sabalenka comeback were quickly extinguished as the final set got underway. Elena Rybakina re-established her dominance immediately, securing an early break to jump ahead 2-1. Striking the ball with incredible depth and authority, the Kazakh player lost only a handful of points behind her first serve during the remainder of the match.
Sabalenka began to visibly fatigue under the relentless pressure, accumulating unforced errors while Rybakina remained an unshakeable wall. Another crucial break pushed Rybakina’s lead to 5-2, putting the championship firmly within her grasp. Moments later, she sealed her historic victory with her 12th ace of the night, collapsing to the court in joyous disbelief after two hours and 21 minutes of enthralling tennis.
A New Era at the Top of Women’s Tennis
During the emotional trophy ceremony, a beaming Rybakina reflected on her remarkable journey to the top. Having dealt with injury concerns ahead of the tournament, the new world No. 1 admitted that everything managed to align perfectly in New York.
“It’s tough to find words right now, honestly,” Rybakina shared with the adoring crowd. She also paid tribute to her rival, acknowledging how difficult it is to face someone who pushes her to absolute limits. Visibly tearful, Sabalenka congratulated her opponent and thanked the New York fans for an unforgettable two weeks. As Rybakina lifts the prestigious trophy and takes over the summit of the WTA rankings, women’s tennis enters an exciting new chapter.