In a thrilling showdown, Elena Rybakina emerged victorious over Aryna Sabalenka with scores of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim the US Open title, solidifying her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan managed to defeat the top seed and reigning two-time champion despite initial struggles with her first serve. Rybakina leveraged her formidable baseline skills to gain the upper hand, though Sabalenka mounted a fierce comeback to push the match into a decisive third set.
Displaying remarkable composure, Rybakina excelled in the final set, showcasing her best serving at critical junctures and maintaining relentless pressure on her opponent. Her victory was sealed with a powerful 12th ace, prompting a jubilant celebration as she secured yet another major title. This triumph caps a notable period for Rybakina, who overcame an Achilles injury ahead of the tournament and contended with the pressure of pursuing 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 marks her as the premier hard-court player globally, adding to her impressive collection of titles that includes the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA Finals. This latest win brings her Grand Slam title count to three, following her previous successes at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s defeat thwarted her quest for a third consecutive US Open title. Despite making it to eight consecutive Grand Slam finals on hard courts, she has struggled to convert these appearances into victories.
The final also added another chapter to the growing rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka. Rybakina has now bested Sabalenka in their last three major championship matchups, including two Grand Slam finals this year. With Rybakina ascending to the No. 1 ranking, surpassing Sabalenka, the landscape of women’s tennis is witnessing a shift, poised for a new era defined by their fierce competition.