US Open 2026: Rybakina beats Sabalenka for title
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to claim her maiden US Open title and cement her status as the new world number one.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to win the US Open 2026
- The victory seals her new position as the world number one tennis player
- Rybakina overcame an ankle injury from Cincinnati Open that left her unable to walk
- This marks the third Grand Slam title of her professional career
Kazakhstan's tennis star Elena Rybakina showcased her dominance on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, New York, by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to capture her first US Open singles title on September 12, 2026.
Rybakina entered Saturday's final already knowing she would claim the top spot in the world rankings regardless of the match outcome. She capped off her rise to the summit by overcoming her fierce rival, securing the third Grand Slam trophy of her career following previous triumphs at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Her triumph in New York is all the more remarkable given her severe injury struggles leading up to the tournament. Rybakina was unable to walk for several days after sustaining a significant ankle injury during the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open, casting serious doubts over whether she would even be fit to compete in the final major of the season.
Elena Rybakina's US Open 2026 victory highlights the critical role of mental composure in elite sports. While her opponent struggled under the heavy burden of defending both her title and ranking, Rybakina's trademark ice-cold demeanor allowed her to execute a devastating returning game even when her primary weapon, the first serve, faltered. This match serves as a textbook example of how emotional regulation under extreme pressure can dictate the outcome of high-stakes championship finals.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka was aiming to soften the blow of losing her number one ranking by securing a third consecutive US Open title. However, the immense pressure was evident throughout the match as she vented her frustration through loud outbursts, flinging her arms, bouncing her racquet on the court, and hiding under her towel. Despite fighting back to win the second set, unforced errors and costly double faults in crucial moments ultimately derailed her title defense.
"Some magic is happening. I was unlucky with injury and just going day by day"
Elena Rybakina
With this hard-fought victory following tough battles against China's Zheng Qinwen and American favorite Coco Gauff, Rybakina moves within just a French Open title away from completing a coveted career Grand Slam.
Source: BBC Sport
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