Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win US Open 2026, Becomes World No. 1

Elena Rybakina etched her name into tennis history on Sunday, September 13, 2026, by defeating fierce rival and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic US Open final. The Kazakhstani star triumphed 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, not only securing her first title at Flushing Meadows but also ending Sabalenka's dominant 99-week reign to claim the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Hits Back at Reporter With ‘A Joke’ Remark in Fiery Presser.

Elena Rybakina Wins US Open 2026 Title

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

Elena Rybakina is a US Open champion!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/1QB8jDNTP6

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026

Match Details and Elena Rybakina's Resilience

The 27-year-old Rybakina, despite battling intermittent first-serve issues, showcased immense composure and power to overcome the top-seeded Belarusian. She seized the opening set 6-4, demonstrating her intent from the outset. Sabalenka, 28, a relentless competitor, clawed her way back into the contest, taking the second set 7-5 to force a decider, keeping the packed New York crowd on the edge of their seats. However, Rybakina regrouped magnificently in the third set, breaking Sabalenka twice and serving out the match decisively to clinch the championship.

A Historic Triumph and New Reign

This victory marks Rybakina's third Grand Slam singles title, adding to her Wimbledon 2022 and Australian Open 2026 triumphs. Her ascent to the top of the WTA rankings culminates a remarkable journey, solidifying her status among the sport's elite. Sabalenka, who had won the US Open in 2024 and 2025, was chasing a historic third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows and her fifth major overall. Her formidable run in New York saw her defeat Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, but she ultimately fell short against an inspired Rybakina.

Intense Rivalry Rekindled

The 2026 US Open final was the 18th professional encounter between Rybakina and Sabalenka, a rivalry that has become one of the most compelling in women's tennis. Coming into the final, Sabalenka held a narrow 10-7 lead in their head-to-head record. Their prior Grand Slam final clash earlier this year at the 2026 Australian Open also went the way of Rybakina. On hard courts, where many of their epic battles have unfolded, their record was tied at 7-7 before this deciding match. Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open 2026 Match Over Weed Smell in Stands.

Before the clash, both players acknowledged the monumental challenge. “She's a big server. She really improved over the years on the baseline game,” Sabalenka commented, anticipating a tough fight. “So it's going to be a physically and mentally tough match. But I'm ready for the fight. I'm ready to do everything to get the win.” Rybakina echoed the sentiment, stating, “I will need to come with all the energy I will have, bring my best serve against Aryna and make the right decisions in the right moment, because most of the times it’s a tight, tight score. This is where the decision makes a difference.”

Rybakina's victory not only crowns her the US Open champion but also signals a significant shift in the landscape of women's tennis, as she steps into the coveted role of the world's top-ranked player.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2026 12:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).