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Elena Rybakina has secured her first US Open title after defeating two time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Kazakhstani player won 6 4, 5 7, 6 2 to claim the third Grand Slam title of her career and confirm her rise to the top of women's tennis. Rybakina had already been assured of becoming the new world number one before the final, but defeating Sabalenka made the achievement even more significant.
The victory added to her previous major triumphs at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier in 2026. She is now one French Open title away from completing a career Grand Slam.
Rybakina's success was built on her remarkable composure, particularly in contrast to Sabalenka's visibly emotional performance. The two players have developed one of the sport's most compelling rivalries, combining powerful tennis with sharply different personalities.
Rybakina remained calm despite struggling with her first serve during the opening set. Instead, she relied on exceptional returning to place Sabalenka under pressure and frustrate her rhythm. Sabalenka's aggressive second serve eventually let her down, allowing Rybakina to secure the first set.
The second set was more evenly contested. Rybakina's level dipped slightly, while Sabalenka improved her groundstrokes and began dictating longer exchanges. The Belarusian saved her best opportunity for the final game of the set, attacking Rybakina's second serve to force a deciding set.
However, Sabalenka's inconsistency returned in the third. Rybakina's deep returns kept her opponent pinned behind the baseline, and a break in the third game gave the Kazakhstani player control of the match.
Rybakina briefly appeared nervous when she double faulted on her first championship point. She quickly recovered, however, and sealed the title with an ace.
The triumph was especially remarkable because Rybakina had been uncertain whether she would compete in New York after suffering an ankle injury during the Cincinnati Open. She reportedly struggled to walk for several days after the injury.
Despite those concerns, she advanced through her opening four matches with an imposing service game. Her victories over Zheng Qinwen and home favourite Coco Gauff were more demanding, requiring her to recover after losing the first sets.
Rybakina admitted that the US Open had historically been difficult for her, despite her powerful style of play. She said she was gradually developing a deeper affection for New York.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, suffered her fifth defeat in nine Grand Slam finals. The loss ended her hopes of winning the US Open for a third consecutive year and extended her wait for another major title.
