Elena Rybakina claimed the US Open title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a thrilling final, solidifying her position as the top player in women’s tennis. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan overcame early struggles with her first serve to overpower the top seed and two-time reigning champion. Despite Sabalenka’s efforts to push the match to a deciding set, Rybakina’s commanding baseline play gave her the edge.
In the final set, Rybakina maintained her composure, delivering her most effective serves at crucial points and continuously pressuring Sabalenka. She clinched the victory with her 12th ace, celebrating by raising both hands in triumph to secure yet another major title. This victory caps off an extraordinary few weeks for Rybakina, who overcame an Achilles injury before the tournament and dealt with the pressure of pursuing the world No. 1 ranking. Along her path to the final, she defeated multiple Grand Slam and Olympic champions.
Rybakina’s triumph at the US Open adds to her impressive record, having already won the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA Finals, establishing her as the leading hard-court player worldwide. This latest Grand Slam victory marks her third major title following her Wimbledon win in 2022 and Australian Open success in 2026. For Sabalenka, the loss ended her quest for a third consecutive US Open title. Despite reaching eight consecutive Grand Slam finals on hard courts, she has struggled to turn many of these appearances into championship wins.
The final also highlighted the growing rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka, with Rybakina now having triumphed in their last three major championship meetings, including two Grand Slam finals this year alone. As Rybakina ascends to the No. 1 ranking, surpassing Sabalenka, the women’s tennis scene welcomes a new leader and a rivalry that promises to shape the sport’s future.
