Elena Rybakina emerged victorious in a thrilling US Open final, overcoming Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. This win solidifies Rybakina’s position as a top contender in women’s tennis. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan managed to outplay the top-seeded, two-time defending champion despite facing challenges with her first serve early on. Rybakina’s powerful baseline play allowed her to dominate, even as Sabalenka rallied to push the match to a decisive third set.
In the final set, Rybakina maintained her focus, delivering her strongest serves when it mattered most and consistently applying pressure on Sabalenka. She clinched the match with her 12th ace, celebrating her triumph by raising her arms in victory, marking another significant milestone in her career. The win caps off an impressive stretch for Rybakina, who had been battling an Achilles injury before the tournament and contending with the added pressure of chasing the world No. 1 ranking. Along her path to the final, she defeated several Grand Slam and Olympic champions.
Rybakina’s victory at the US Open adds to her growing list of accomplishments on hard courts, having already claimed the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA Finals titles. This latest Grand Slam triumph is her third, following her Wimbledon win in 2022 and her Australian Open victory in 2026. On the other hand, Sabalenka’s defeat ended her quest for a third straight US Open title. Despite reaching eight consecutive Grand Slam finals on hard surfaces, converting those opportunities into championships has proven challenging for her.
The final also highlighted the intensifying rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka. Rybakina has now bested Sabalenka in their last three significant matchups, including two Grand Slam finals this year. With this victory, Rybakina ascends to the No. 1 ranking, dethroning Sabalenka, and setting the stage for a new era in women’s tennis defined by their ongoing competition.