Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win US Open Title and Reach World No. 1
Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak ends as the Russian-born Kazakh stays composed on the grand stage
NEW YORK: 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 on Saturday, claiming her third Grand Slam title and securing the world No. 1 ranking.
The Russian-born Kazakh showed remarkable composure on the biggest stage to end Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and prevent the Belarusian from joining Serena Williams and Chris Evert as the only women to win three consecutive US Open titles.
Rybakina’s campaign had been in doubt before the tournament because of an ankle injury, but the 27-year-old overcame those concerns to capture her first US Open crown.
The victory adds to her Grand Slam successes at the Australian Open earlier this year and Wimbledon in 2022.
“It’s tough to find words. I didn’t expect anything like this coming into the tournament,” Rybakina said after the final.
She also praised Sabalenka, saying it was extremely difficult to play against her and that the Belarusian had pushed her to the limit.
Rybakina Completes Historic Grand Slam Double
Rybakina became only the third woman this century to win both hard-court Grand Slam tournaments in the same year, joining Sabalenka and Angelique Kerber.
The Kazakh also collected a $5.5 million prize for winning the US Open title.
Her championship trophy was presented by Russian five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova.
Rybakina said winning the US Open and reaching the world No. 1 ranking would make waking up the next morning feel very different.
“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,” she said.
Rybakina Holds Her Nerve Against Sabalenka
The final at Arthur Ashe Stadium lived up to expectations as a showdown between the top two players in the world.
Rybakina, wearing a yellow-and-black outfit, used her powerful groundstrokes to put pressure on Sabalenka, but the Belarusian relied on her big serve to stay in the contest early.
Rybakina eventually broke through to take a 3-2 lead after Sabalenka double-faulted.
The frustration appeared to get the better of Sabalenka, who received a code violation after hitting a ball into the stands.
Rybakina remained calm and closed out the opening set 6-4.
Sabalenka Forces a Deciding Set
Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set as Rybakina’s level briefly dropped.
The defending champion produced a delicate drop shot and a spectacular backhand crosscourt winner to turn the momentum in her favour.
Sabalenka eventually levelled the match by taking the second set 7-5, setting up a deciding third set.
However, Rybakina quickly regained control.
After Sabalenka won the opening game of the final set, Rybakina raised her level and built a commanding 5-2 advantage.
She then held her nerve to close out the match 6-2, completing a memorable US Open triumph.
Sabalenka Ends 2026 Without a Grand Slam Title
The defeat was a particularly painful one for Sabalenka, who had already lost to Rybakina in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
The Belarusian was emotional after the match and congratulated her opponent.
“I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena. I wish I could perform a bit better, but I guess next year,” Sabalenka said.
Rybakina’s victory means Sabalenka will finish 2026 without a Grand Slam title despite reaching the US Open final.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s men’s final, where American Ben Shelton will face top seed Alexander Zverev in a bid to end a 23-year wait for a US men’s Grand Slam singles champion.
