Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Win First US Open Title

Elena Rybakina has defeated Aryna Sabalenka again in a Grand Slam final, beating the Belarusian 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim the 2026 US Open women’s singles championship.

The victory completed a remarkable year for Rybakina, who also defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier in 2026.

The US Open final was contested between two of the dominant players in women’s tennis. Sabalenka entered as the world No. 1 and defending champion, while Rybakina was guaranteed to take over the top ranking after the tournament.

Rybakina made the stronger start and took the opening set 6-4.

Sabalenka refused to surrender the title without a fight. The two-time defending champion raised her level in the second set and won it 7-5 to force a decider.

Rybakina responded decisively in the third set, taking control of the match and winning 6-2 to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows.

The triumph is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title. Her first came at Wimbledon in 2022, before she added the Australian Open earlier this year.

The latest victory also makes 2026 particularly significant for Rybakina because both of her Grand Slam titles this season have come at the expense of Sabalenka.

Rybakina’s victory means she will officially become the new world No. 1 when the rankings are updated. She becomes the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the summit of the women’s singles rankings.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, finishes the tournament without a Grand Slam title in 2026 despite reaching another US Open final.

Her defeat also brings an end to her 99-week reign as world No. 1.

Rybakina’s combination of power, serving and composure proved decisive in the final as she recovered from losing the second set and produced a commanding performance in the decider.

The US Open crown therefore marks another major step in the Kazakh star’s emergence as the leading player in women’s tennis.