Elena Rybakina delivered a dominant performance to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women's singles final, securing her third Grand Slam title and ascending to the world No. 1 ranking. The victory on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York ended Sabalenka's 20-match winning streak at the venue.

Rybakina's triumph is particularly significant as she overcame an ankle injury that had threatened her participation before the tournament. This win adds the US Open to her collection, which includes the Australian Open earlier in 2026 and Wimbledon in 2022. The match pitted the top two players in the rankings against each other, with Rybakina's composed play ultimately prevailing over Sabalenka's late-game aggression.

The final saw Rybakina, the second seed, break Sabalenka's serve early in the first set, aided by a double fault from the Belarusian, who subsequently received a code violation. Sabalenka's frustration grew with missed opportunities, contrasting sharply with Rybakina's consistent calm. Despite Sabalenka forcing a deciding set by raising her level midway through the second, Rybakina regained control in the third, building a commanding lead and closing out the match.

With this win, Rybakina denied Sabalenka the chance to achieve three consecutive US Open titles, a feat last accomplished by Serena Williams and Chris Evert. The victory also means Sabalenka will finish 2026 without a major singles title. Rybakina's performance was characterized by powerful and precise groundstrokes, though she faced strong serves from Sabalenka throughout the contest.

The match was the third Grand Slam final meeting between the two players. Sabalenka's visible irritation, including smashing her racket after a crucial point, highlighted the pressure of the occasion. Rybakina, however, maintained her characteristic composure, a key factor in her ability to manage the match's momentum.

Her path to the title was not without challenges, with the pre-tournament ankle concern adding an extra layer of difficulty. Rybakina's ability to perform at such a high level despite physical setbacks underscores her mental fortitude and resilience on the court.

The US Open title comes with a prize of $5.5 million for the champion. The final was played out on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, a fitting stage for a showdown between two of the sport's leading figures.

This victory solidifies Rybakina's position at the pinnacle of women's tennis and sets a new benchmark for her career. The focus now shifts to how she will maintain this top ranking in the upcoming tournaments, while Sabalenka will aim to regroup and strategize for future Grand Slam opportunities.