Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on September 12, 2026, to capture her first US Open singles title and the third Grand Slam championship of her career. The victory at Flushing Meadows also secures the world number one ranking for Rybakina as Sabalenka’s 99-week reign ends.
Elena Rybakina etched her name into the history books on Saturday, September 12, 2026, by overcoming two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a grueling three-set final at the US Open. The championship match at Flushing Meadows in New York lasted 2 hours and 21 minutes, ending with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 scoreline that crowned a new champion in the women’s singles draw.
The victory marks Rybakina’s first title at Flushing Meadows and her second Grand Slam crown of 2026, adding to her previous triumphs at the Australian Open earlier this year and Wimbledon in 2022. For Sabalenka, the loss halts a historic bid to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open singles titles since Serena Williams achieved the feat between 2012 and 2014.
How Rybakina Overcame Sabalenka in the Final Set
The match swung on fine margins across three tightly contested sets. Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan and entering the tournament as the world number two, seized the early advantage by taking the opening set 6-4.
Sabalenka, the top-seeded player from Belarus, mounted a fierce response in the second set. Finding the form that carried her through the draw, Sabalenka leveled the match by claiming the second set 7-5, forcing a decisive third set.
In the final set, Rybakina raised her level and pulled away from her opponent. She secured a decisive 6-2 victory in the decider to seal the championship.
It is difficult to find words to describe it right now. I didn’t expect anything like this. Coming to this tournament, I had to deal with an injury, and it looks like everything was meant to be for me. Elena Rybakina, via LINE TODAY
Rybakina also acknowledged the immense challenge posed by her opponent on the court, paying tribute to Sabalenka’s relentless pressure.
Aryna, you are a great champion and it is very hard in the duel with you. You pushed me to bring out my best game until the limit. I even had to dive on the court and just try to hit every possible ball. Congratulations on all your success and your team too. You guys did a really great job. Elena Rybakina, via LINE TODAY
Rankings Shift and Record-Breaking Prize Money at Flushing Meadows
The outcome of the final carries immediate consequences for the summit of women’s professional tennis. Following the tournament, Rybakina will ascend to the official world number one ranking, bringing an end to Sabalenka’s 99-week consecutive run at the top spot.
Financial rewards for the finalists reached historic heights at the 2026 tournament.
The Path to the Championship Match
Both finalists earned their places in the title match through grueling encounters earlier in the week. Rybakina secured her spot in the final on Thursday, September 10, by staging a comeback victory against American player Coco Gauff with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Gauff had started aggressively, breaking serve and taking the opening set before Rybakina seized the momentum in the subsequent sets.
On the opposite side of the draw, Sabalenka advanced to the final by defeating another American contender, Jessica Pegula, in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-2. That semifinal win positioned Sabalenka for what would have been a historic third title run in New York, a milestone ultimately blocked by Rybakina’s stellar three-set performance.
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