Rybakina wins first U.S. Open and rises to world No. 1

Elena Rybakina turned a demanding three-set final into two career milestones, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim her first U.S. Open title. The 27-year-old, who represents Kazakhstan, will also replace Sabalenka as world No. 1 when the rankings update on Monday.

At Arthur Ashe Stadium, Rybakina won the opening set despite an unreliable first serve. Sabalenka answered in the second, but Rybakina took command of the decider with two service breaks and finished the match with an ace. Her return game created 12 break-point opportunities, three of which she converted, helping her withstand an opponent who had won 19 straight matches at the tournament.

The victory is Rybakina’s third Grand Slam singles title and her second of 2026, following an Australian Open final win over Sabalenka in January. Together, those results give her both hard-court majors this year. She previously won Wimbledon in 2022 and now lacks only the French Open for a career Grand Slam.

Rybakina said she had arrived in New York managing a minor injury and without expecting such a run. After years of limited success at the event, she left with its championship and the top ranking already secured through her semifinal result. Sabalenka, who had been seeking a third consecutive U.S. Open crown, congratulated her on a deserved victory.