Rybakina Dethrones Sabalenka to Win US Open 2026
Elena Rybakina has been crowned the US Open women’s singles champion, defeating top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a gripping final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
2006 champion Maria Sharapova presents Elena Rybakina with the US Open trophy! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/XZ0BXBJpE7
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
The second-seeded Kazakhstani produced a composed and powerful performance to outlast Sabalenka in a hard-fought three-set battle and claim her first US Open title.
Sealed with a kiss 💋 pic.twitter.com/Awu53dRWEC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
The victory also marks Rybakina’s third career Grand Slam championship. Her 2026 season has been particularly remarkable, as she has won both the Australian Open and US Open, defeating Sabalenka in the final of each hardcourt major.
Team Elena, this one’s yours too 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pYh43tn2lx
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
By achieving the feat, Rybakina becomes the first woman since 1994 to contest and win both hardcourt Grand Slam finals against the same opponent in a single calendar year.
TOP OF THE WORLD 🌎
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
Elena Rybakina defeats Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim her first US Open title! pic.twitter.com/7XA520vTei
The triumph also brings a major change at the top of women's tennis. Rybakina has officially dethroned Sabalenka as the WTA World No. 1, ending Sabalenka’s remarkable 99-week reign at the summit.
Rybakina’s US Open triumph caps a landmark season and establishes her as the dominant force in women’s tennis in 2026.