Elena Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final to capture the 2026 US Open women’s singles title.
The Kazakhstan star secured a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, earning her first championship at Flushing Meadows and the third Grand Slam singles trophy of her career.
Rybakina entered the final having already secured enough ranking points to replace Sabalenka as the WTA world No. 1. Her victory confirmed an outstanding season in which she won both hard-court Grand Slam tournaments—the Australian Open and US Open.
Rybakina Controls Deciding Set
Rybakina made the stronger start, using her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive returns to take the opening set 6-4. Sabalenka responded in the second, finding a late break to win it 7-5 and force a deciding set.
The third set belonged to Rybakina. She remained composed under pressure, reduced her errors and repeatedly pushed Sabalenka behind the baseline. An early advantage allowed her to take control before closing out the championship 6-2.
The victory ended Sabalenka’s bid to win three consecutive US Open titles. The Belarusian had lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2025 and entered the final with a long winning streak at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina, meanwhile, overcame significant uncertainty before the tournament. An ankle injury had forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati event and raised doubts about whether she would be ready for New York. She recovered in time and defeated several major champions during her run, including Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Sabalenka.
Third Grand Slam Title for Rybakina
The 27-year-old previously won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier in 2026. Her US Open triumph leaves the French Open as the only major missing from a potential career Grand Slam.
Rybakina also collected a record $5.5 million champion’s prize and ended Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top of the women’s rankings.
The result strengthens Rybakina’s status as one of the leading players of her generation and adds another memorable chapter to her growing rivalry with Sabalenka.
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