Open title on September 12, 2026, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the women’s singles final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, New York City. The victory secured Rybakina’s rise to the top of the women’s tennis world rankings, replacing Sabalenka as the new No. 1 player on Monday. Rybakina’s triumph marked the end of Sabalenka’s 99 consecutive weeks at the summit of the rankings and her bid to become the first person since Serena Williams from 2012-14 to win three in a row at Flushing Meadows.
Elena Rybakina ends Aryna Sabalenka's bid for third straight
However, Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, thwarted Sabalenka’s attempt to “three-peat,” ending her streak and claiming her third Grand Slam title overall. Rybakina had previously defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open title earlier this year after defeating Sabalenka on another hard court, this time at Melbourne Park. Sabalenka had won the two other meetings this season, on the hard courts at Indian Wells and Miami, but Rybakina’s victory in New York solidified her status as a rising force in women’s tennis.
The match, played in Arthur Ashe Stadium under a blazing September sun, featured a dramatic ebb and flow. In the first set, Rybakina struggled with her serve, landing just eight of 30 first serves (27%), a statistic that would have seemed insurmountable for most players. However, her defensive prowess and ability to neutralize Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play proved decisive. Sabalenka, known for her fiery temperament, earned a ball abuse warning after swatting a shot skyward during the first set, a moment that highlighted her frustration. Despite the early challenges, Rybakina held serve and took the first set 6-4.
Elena Rybakina World No 1 Secures First Us Open
Sabalenka responded by seizing control of the second set, capitalizing on Rybakina’s uncharacteristic struggles. The Belarusian player, who had dominated the second serve of opponents like Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, forced Rybakina into difficult positions. Sabalenka’s relentless pressure paid off as she won the second set 7-5, leveling the match and setting up a tense third set. The turning point came in the final set, where Rybakina’s tactical discipline and composure shone. She kept the ball low and denied Sabalenka angles, gradually shifting momentum in her favor. A crucial moment came when Rybakina would double fault on her first championship point, up 40-15. But on the next point she aced her way to the win and the title.
Following the match, Rybakina expressed disbelief at her achievement, と語った。今、言葉を見つけるのが難しいです。このトーナメントでこんなことが起こるとは思っていませんでした。ちょっと怪我を抱えていますが、何故かすべてが自分にとって有利に運んだように感じます。Sabalenka, who had aimed to make history, acknowledged Rybakina’s performance: と語った。あなたは偉大なチャンピオンです。Sabalenka’s disappointment was evident, as she lamented, と語った。ここはまるで我が家のように感じられ、来年また戻ってきたいと思っています。
Rybakina Defeats Two Time Defending Champion Sabalenka To Win
The victory earned Rybakina $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, while Sabalenka received $2.8 million as the runner-up. The win also marked a significant shift in the women’s tennis landscape, with Rybakina born in Russia but represents Kazakhstan. The match drew notable celebrity spectators, including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, underscoring the event’s cultural impact. Tennis analyst Patrick McEnroe and sports personality Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado discuss the biggest storylines surrounding this year’s US Open, from the resurgence of American tennis and championship predictions to the growing influence of sports betting, celebrity culture and the changing fan experience at one of the sport’s premier events.
Tennis analyst Patrick McEnroe and sports personality Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado discuss the biggest storylines surrounding this year’s US Open, from the resurgence of American tennis and championship predictions to the growing influence of sports betting, celebrity culture and the changing fan experience at one of the sport’s premier events. The final’s dramatic finish and the rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka captivated fans, with The Athletic’s reporters Ava Wallace and Matt Futterman noting the match’s significance in redefining the women’s tennis hierarchy. For Rybakina, the victory not only secured her place as world No. 1 but also brought her closer to a career Grand Slam, with the French Open remaining as her final goal.