Elena Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open women’s singles title.
The victory gave Rybakina her first US Open championship and also secured enough ranking points for her to become the world No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
Rybakina took control early in the opening set, earning the first break and eventually winning it 6-4. Sabalenka responded in the second set, saving three break points before taking the set 7-5.
Rybakina then made another early breakthrough in the deciding set, moving ahead 2-1. She maintained her composure and extended the lead to 5-2 before serving for the championship.
After double-faulting on her first championship point, Rybakina sealed the match with an ace on the next point.
The result ended Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive US Open title and ended her 99-week run as world No. 1.
Rybakina and Sabalenka now have a 10-7 head-to-head record in Sabalenka’s favor.
