Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racquet After Losing to Elena Rybakina in US Open 2026 Final
Elena Rybakina triumphs over Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open Women's Final on Sunday, September 13, securing her first US Open title and the WTA World No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka's visible frustration after the defeat, including smashing her racquet and hitting a ball into the crowd, highlighted the intense rivalry.
A thrilling conclusion to the 2026 US Open women's singles tournament saw Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan clinch her maiden title at Flushing Meadows, defeating Belarusian rival Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a captivating final held at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The victory not only marked Rybakina's first US Open championship but also propelled her to the coveted WTA World No. 1 ranking, ending Sabalenka's impressive 99-week reign at the top. The high-stakes encounter, which kicked off at 1:30 AM IST, concluded with a stark contrast of emotions as Rybakina celebrated a career-defining win, while Sabalenka's frustration boiled over in a dramatic display of sportsmanship. Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win US Open 2026, Becomes World No. 1.
Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racquet
Players to lose the finals of Australian Open and US Open the same season in the 21st Century 🫰
Justine Henin 2006
Roger Federer 2009
Aryna Sabalenka 2026 🐯 pic.twitter.com/grM52qcawz
— Nick Ally ✝️ (@nick_ally1986) September 12, 2026
Aryna Sabalenka Expresses Frustration
Players to lose the finals of Australian Open and US Open the same season in the 21st Century 🫰
Justine Henin 2006
Roger Federer 2009
Aryna Sabalenka 2026 🐯 pic.twitter.com/grM52qcawz
— Nick Ally ✝️ (@nick_ally1986) September 12, 2026
Following the decisive final point, the 28-year-old Sabalenka, known for her powerful game and fiery demeanor, could not contain her disappointment. In a moment that immediately grabbed headlines, she smashed her racquet on the court multiple times before striking a ball into the stands, narrowly avoiding spectators, a clear manifestation of the intense pressure and profound disappointment of losing a Grand Slam final and her top ranking.
Elena Rybakina's Ascent to the Top
For Elena Rybakina, the 27-year-old Kazakhstani, this US Open title marks her third Grand Slam championship, adding to her 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open triumphs. Her consistent performances throughout the tournament culminated in a dominant final performance, showcasing her powerful serve and composed baseline game. The new WTA rankings, to be released on Monday, September 14, will officially confirm her as the World No. 1, a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Rybakina secured her top spot even before the final, by virtue of reaching the semifinals. US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Hits Back at Reporter With ‘A Joke’ Remark in Fiery Presser.
Despite the dramatic ending to the match, Rybakina's triumph marks a new chapter in women's tennis, solidifying her status as a dominant force and the rightful new World No. 1, while Sabalenka will undoubtedly channel her raw emotion into future challenges on the tour.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2026 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
