Elena Rybakina showcased her prowess on the tennis court by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim the US Open title in a thrilling final. This victory further cements Rybakina’s status as a dominant force in women’s tennis. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan managed to overcome the top-seeded Sabalenka, who was also the two-time defending champion, despite initial struggles with her first serve. Rybakina’s powerful baseline play allowed her to gain control, though Sabalenka mounted a comeback to push the match to a decisive third set.
In the final set, Rybakina maintained her composure, delivering her most effective serves during crucial moments and exerting continuous pressure on her opponent. She clinched the victory with her 12th ace, celebrating the win by raising both hands in triumph. This US Open title adds to Rybakina’s remarkable achievements in recent weeks, as she overcame an Achilles injury and the pressure of vying for the world No. 1 ranking. On her path to the final, she defeated several Grand Slam and Olympic champions.
Rybakina has now secured major victories on hard courts, including the Australian Open, US Open, and WTA Finals, solidifying her position as the leading player on this surface. With this win, she now boasts three Grand Slam titles, having previously triumphed at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s loss marked the end of her quest for a third consecutive US Open championship. Despite reaching eight consecutive Grand Slam finals on hard courts, Sabalenka has often fallen short of converting these opportunities into titles.
The US Open final added another chapter to the growing rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka. Rybakina has now bested Sabalenka in their last three major championship meetings, including two Grand Slam finals this year. With Rybakina ascending to the No. 1 ranking, dethroning Sabalenka, the stage is set for a compelling rivalry that could define the future of women’s tennis.