Rybakina wins U.S. Open, becomes world No. 1
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win her first U.S. Open and third Grand Slam title. She won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rybakina will rise to No. 1 in the WTA rankings on Monday.
Rybakina's path to the title was marked by resilience, as she claimed the opening set despite landing only 27 percent of her first serves. Sabalenka, the No. 1 seed, forced a decider by taking the second set 7-5, but Rybakina responded decisively, winning six of eight games in the final set. Her 36 winners against 24 unforced errors contrasted sharply with Sabalenka's 32 winners and 35 errors, illustrating where the match turned.
The victory completes a remarkable 2026 season for Rybakina, who also defeated Sabalenka in three sets at the Australian Open in January. She becomes the only player to win multiple Grand Slams this year, joining first-time major champions Mirra Andreeva (French Open) and Linda Nosková (Wimbledon). With the win, Rybakina ascends to world No. 1, while attention now shifts to the men's final, where Ben Shelton seeks to end a 23-year American Grand Slam drought.
Rybakina's rise to world No. 1 could reshape the WTA's competitive hierarchy, giving the tour a dominant figure after a season of varied champions. Her rivalry with Sabalenka may become a defining narrative, drawing casual viewers who follow compelling head-to-head storylines. For younger players, her consistent success across surfaces could serve as a benchmark, while her achievement may also boost tennis viewership in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, expanding the sport's global fan base.