Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Her First US Open Title

New York: Elena Rybakina has won the 2026 US Open women’s singles title, defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a dramatic final at Flushing Meadows. The victory gives Rybakina her third Grand Slam championship and further establishes her as the new world No. 1. (elena rybakina us open win)

Rybakina entered the final after securing the No. 1 ranking for the first time earlier in the tournament. She then completed a remarkable New York run by beating the top-seeded Sabalenka, who had won the previous two US Open titles.

The result also continues a growing rivalry between the two players. Rybakina had already beaten Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year.

Rybakina Takes Control After Three Sets

Rybakina made the stronger start, taking the opening set 6-4. Sabalenka responded in the second, recovering from a set down to win 7-5 and force a deciding set.

The third set belonged to Rybakina. She quickly regained control, broke Sabalenka’s serve and maintained the pressure before closing out the championship 6-2. She sealed the victory with an ace.

The final was the 18th meeting between the two players, with their rivalry now featuring multiple Grand Slam finals. Sabalenka had previously led their head-to-head record, but Rybakina again produced her best tennis when the stakes were highest.

Third Grand Slam Title for Rybakina

The US Open championship is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title. She won Wimbledon in 2022 before adding the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2026.

With three of the four Grand Slam tournaments now on her résumé, the French Open remains the only major championship missing from her collection.

Her victory in New York also gives her the Australian Open, US Open and WTA Finals titles among the major hard-court championships highlighted after the final.

Sabalenka’s US Open Reign Ends

The defeat ended Sabalenka’s run of two consecutive US Open championships. She also finishes the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2022.

For Rybakina, the victory capped a tournament in which she dealt with an Achilles injury before the event and faced a demanding path through the later rounds. She emerged from those challenges with both the world No. 1 ranking and the US Open trophy.

Rybakina now leaves New York as a three-time Grand Slam champion and the latest player to take control of the top spot in women’s tennis.