Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win 2026 US Open
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open women's singles title and claim her first championship at Flushing Meadows.
The victory caps a remarkable season for Rybakina. The Kazakh star had already secured the world No. 1 ranking before the final, and she confirmed her position at the top of women's tennis with a dominant performance against the two-time defending champion.
Rybakina controlled the deciding set with powerful serving and aggressive baseline tennis. Sabalenka struggled to find a response as her opponent maintained her composure under pressure.
Elena Rybakina Wins First US Open Title
Rybakina produced her best tennis when the match reached its decisive stage.
After splitting the opening two sets, she took control of the third. Rybakina lost only one point on serve in the deciding set before serving for the championship at 5-2.
Sabalenka faced a difficult service game at 30-all and then double-faulted. Rybakina eventually earned the break from deuce to move within one game of the title.
Serving for the championship, Rybakina briefly allowed the tension to show with another double fault. She quickly recovered, earned two championship points and completed the victory with an ace.
The result gave Rybakina her first US Open championship and her third Grand Slam title overall.
Rybakina Completes Another Grand Slam Milestone
Rybakina's victory means she has now won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
She captured her first major title at Wimbledon in 2022 before winning the Australian Open and US Open in 2026.
The French Open remains the only Grand Slam title missing from her collection.
Her victory over Sabalenka also adds another major chapter to their growing rivalry. Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open final earlier this year.
Rybakina Takes World No. 1 Ranking
Rybakina entered the US Open final already assured of becoming the new world No. 1.
She officially takes the top ranking from Sabalenka, who had held the position before the tournament.
Winning the US Open against Sabalenka makes the achievement even more significant. Rybakina did not simply take over the No. 1 ranking. She defeated the reigning champion on the biggest stage.
Her form on hard courts has been especially impressive throughout the season.
Sabalenka's US Open Reign Ends
Sabalenka arrived in New York as the two-time defending champion and was aiming to win the US Open for a third consecutive year.
That run came to an end against Rybakina.
Sabalenka fought back after losing the opening set and forced a deciding set by taking the second 7-5. However, she could not maintain that momentum.
Rybakina immediately put pressure on Sabalenka in the third set and never allowed her opponent to settle.
The defeat also means Sabalenka will finish the 2026 season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022.
Rybakina Collects $5.5 Million Prize
Rybakina's victory comes with a $5.5 million winner's cheque.
She received the trophy during the post-match presentation, with Maria Sharapova presenting the championship trophy.
Rybakina appeared emotional as she celebrated her first US Open crown in front of the New York crowd.
Rybakina Praises Sabalenka After Victory
Speaking during the trophy presentation, Rybakina said she struggled to find the words to describe the achievement.
She revealed that she had been dealing with an injury before the tournament but said everything came together during her run in New York.
Rybakina also praised Sabalenka for pushing her to her limits and described the atmosphere in New York as unbelievable.
The champion's calm reaction contrasted with the intensity she showed during the match.
Sabalenka Congratulates Rybakina
Sabalenka fought back tears during her runner-up speech but congratulated Rybakina on an outstanding year.
She admitted that she was disappointed with her performance but praised her opponent's result and encouraged Rybakina to enjoy the championship.
Sabalenka also joked about returning next year and trying to win more titles.
Rybakina vs Sabalenka US Open Final Result
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open women's singles final.
The match showcased the power of both players, but Rybakina's serving, composure and ability to control the third set ultimately made the difference.
Rybakina's victory gives her three Grand Slam titles and establishes her as the world's No. 1 player.
What Comes Next for Rybakina?
Rybakina now turns her attention to the remainder of the 2026 season as the leading player in women's tennis.
With Wimbledon, the Australian Open and US Open now on her Grand Slam record, the French Open is the only major title still missing.
Her rivalry with Sabalenka is also likely to remain one of the biggest storylines in women's tennis, with both players continuing to challenge each other at the sport's biggest tournaments.
Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka FAQs
Who won the 2026 US Open women's final?
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open women's singles title.
How many US Open titles has Elena Rybakina won?
Rybakina won her first US Open title in 2026.
How many Grand Slam titles does Rybakina have?
Rybakina now has three Grand Slam titles. She won Wimbledon in 2022, the Australian Open in 2026 and the US Open in 2026.
Who is the women's world No. 1 after the 2026 US Open?
Elena Rybakina becomes the new world No. 1 after the 2026 US Open.
How much did Rybakina win at the US Open?
Rybakina received $5.5 million for winning the 2026 US Open women's singles title.
Did Aryna Sabalenka win a Grand Slam in 2026?
No. Sabalenka finished the 2026 season without a Grand Slam title, her first such season since 2022.
Which Grand Slam title is missing from Rybakina's collection?
The French Open is the only Grand Slam tournament Rybakina has yet to win.
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