US Open: Elena Rybakina's New York masterclass ends Aryna Sabalenka's reign

By SABC Sport
13th September 2026

Elena Rybakina took the mantle as the best player in women's tennis when she defeated outgoing world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a clinical 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 performance in the US Open final on Saturday.

In a repeat of their meeting in the Australian Open final in January, Rybakina saw off Sabalenka with a big-hitting display that was too much for the player she will replace as world number one on Monday.

Rybakina looked set to win this match in double quick time as she piled the pressure on Sabalenka and won the first set 6-4. There was a moment of chaos as Sabalenka smashed a ball into the crowd when she lost her cool during the opening set and she then fired a ball in anger that came close to striking a cameraman at the back of the court.

It seemed to rally her, as Sabalenka stormed back to win the second set 7-5. But it didn't take long for Rybakina to assert her authority again in the deciding set and she closed it out 6-2 despite serving two double faults in the deciding game and ending it with an ace.

"It's tough to find words right now, honestly," said Rybakina

"I didn't expect anything like this, coming to this tournament. I was dealing with a bit of an injury, but somehow everything aligned together on my side.

"I was doubting on the court and trying to get all the possible balls. I'm falling in love with New York more and more, and it's amazing memories for me."

This was Rybakina's first US Open title and her third Grand Slam overall, after she also won the Wimbledon crown in 2022. The win secured the Kazakhstani player the biggest prize money haul in the history of the women's game, as she will receive a $5.5m windfall for this epic victory in New York.

Rybakina has now won three of the four Grand Slam titles and while clay is her least favourite surface, she will get a chance to join the lost of the game's all-time greats when she plays at the French Open next year.