By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Elena Rybakina has defeated defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open women’s singles title.
The victory secured Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and completed a remarkable year for the Kazakh player, who had earlier defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in January.
Rybakina, who had never progressed beyond the fourth round at the US Open before this year, overcame a determined challenge from the top seed to claim her first title at Flushing Meadows.
The 26-year-old entered the tournament with doubts over her participation after aggravating a left ankle injury in Cincinnati a week before the US Open.
She nevertheless produced a commanding run through the tournament before overcoming the two-time defending champion in a tense three-set final.
After taking the opening set 6-4, Rybakina appeared on course for a straight-set victory, but Sabalenka fought back strongly to take the second set 7-5 and force a deciding set.
The momentum, however, shifted decisively in Rybakina’s favour in the third set.
She broke Sabalenka early in the decider and continued to apply pressure with powerful returns and aggressive baseline play. Sabalenka struggled to maintain control of her serve as Rybakina repeatedly created break-point opportunities.
Rybakina secured another break to move 5-2 ahead, putting herself within a game of the championship. She then served for the title, producing a series of precise serves and winners before sealing victory with an ace.
The victory also carries major implications for the women’s world rankings, with Rybakina set to replace Sabalenka as world number one on Monday.
Sabalenka, who had won the previous two US Open titles, was bidding to become champion for a third consecutive year. Her attempt ended against a Rybakina who grew increasingly dominant as the deciding set progressed.
Former French Open men’s doubles champion Ryan Harrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, praised Rybakina’s ability to put Sabalenka under sustained pressure, particularly through her deep returns and willingness to attack short balls.
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