Elena Rybakina produced one of the biggest wins of her career by beating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open final. The win gave Rybakina her first US Open title. It also helped her become the new world No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
The result ended Sabalenka’s bid to win three straight US Open titles. It also added another big chapter to the growing rivalry between the two stars.
After the final, both players spoke during the on-court presentation. Sabalenka admitted that it was hard to speak after such a painful loss. Rybakina also struggled to find the right words after winning the title.
Aryna Sabalenka Opens Up After Losing the US Open Final
Sabalenka looked emotional after losing the US Open title. She had entered the final as the two-time defending champion and the No. 1 seed.
When she was asked about her conversation with her team, Sabalenka said she was still trying to understand what had happened after the long three-set match.
“That’s the last thing I can I want to do right now is give a speech, but I’ll try my very best.”
Her words showed how disappointed she was after losing a final she had hoped to win.
“Thank you, everyone. Thank you for your support throughout two weeks. It was amazing playing in front of you all, and obviously I’m disappointed.”
Sabalenka then praised Rybakina for her performance and success during the tournament.
“I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, incredible results, and well deserved. Enjoy it. Have fun tonight, tomorrow, and till the end of the season.”
Even after the loss, Sabalenka thanked everyone who helped make the tournament possible.
“Thank you. Thank you all of the sponsors for making this event possible, and thank you I don’t know everyone who helped me throughout this two weeks.”
She also thanked her team and the people who supported her during the tournament. Sabalenka said she feels very comfortable playing in New York and wants to return next year.
ALSO READ: Brazil Squad for India Football Friendly 2026: Check Full Squad for India vs Brazil
Elena Rybakina Gives Credit to Aryna Sabalenka
Rybakina then spoke about her incredible run and her win over the two-time defending champion.
The new champion admitted that she was still trying to understand what she had achieved. Rybakina also said she had been dealing with an injury during the tournament. Despite that problem, she managed to keep winning.
“And I’ve been dealing a little bit with the injury but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”
She then praised Sabalenka for making the final so difficult.
“I just want to say, Aryna, you are a great champion. It’s so difficult to play against you.”
Rybakina explained how hard she had to work to stay in the match and return Sabalenka’s powerful shots.
“You pushed to such a limits. I was diving on the court and just trying to get all the possible balls.”
She also congratulated Sabalenka and her team for their success.
“Just congrats to you for all the achievements. Congrats to your team. You guys doing an amazing job.”
Rybakina then thanked the New York crowd for creating a special atmosphere during the tournament.
“Then I want to say thank you, of course, to such beautiful spectators for amazing atmosphere.”
The Kazakhstani star also spoke about her long connection with the tournament. She had been coming to New York for many years but had never enjoyed this kind of success.
“I honestly, was coming here for the last 10 years, and it was never successful.”
Winning the title changed everything for Rybakina. She finished by thanking everyone who helped her reach the biggest moment of her US Open career.
What Happened in the 2026 US Open Final?
TOP OF THE WORLD 🌎
Elena Rybakina defeats Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim her first US Open title! pic.twitter.com/7XA520vTei
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
The match started with both players hitting powerful shots from the baseline. Rybakina looked more controlled in the early stages.
She got the first break and moved to 3-2 ahead. She then protected her lead with a strong service game.
Aryna Sabalenka struggled to match that consistency. She also received a ball-abuse warning after hitting a ball into the air.
Rybakina kept her advantage and won the first set 6-4.
Sabalenka responded well in the second set. She played more aggressively and attacked the lines whenever she got the chance.
At 5-5, Sabalenka saved three break points. She then moved ahead 6-5.
Sabalenka soon earned a set point against Rybakina. She converted it and won the second set 7-5.
The match then went into a deciding set.
Aryna Rybakina again made the first big move. She broke Sabalenka early and moved 2-1 ahead.
Her patience became one of the biggest differences between the two players. Rybakina stayed calm during long rallies and waited for the right chance to attack.
Sabalenka made more unforced errors as the set went on.
At 4-2, Rybakina hit a brilliant volley after pushing Sabalenka away from the court. She then moved to 5-2 and served for the championship.
Rybakina double-faulted on her first championship point at 40-15. That gave Sabalenka a small chance to fight back.
But Rybakina responded immediately. She hit an ace on the next point and completed a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory.
ALSO READ: CSK Shut Down MS Dhoni Stake Reports, But There’s a Twist
Elena Rybakina Becomes World No. 1
The win also has a major impact on the WTA rankings.
Elena Rybakina entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed behind Sabalenka. Her title win gave her enough ranking points to move to world No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
This brings an end to Sabalenka’s long run at the top. She had held the No. 1 ranking for 99 straight weeks.
The rivalry between the two players remains very close. Sabalenka still leads their head-to-head record 10-7.
However, Rybakina has won some of their biggest recent matches.
Rybakina beat Sabalenka at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh. She then defeated her again in the 2026 Australian Open final.
Sabalenka later answered with wins over Rybakina in Indian Wells and Miami earlier in the year.
How Many Grand Slam Titles Do Rybakina and Sabalenka Have?
Rybakina now has three Grand Slam singles titles.
She won her first major at Wimbledon in 2022. She then won the 2026 Australian Open before adding the 2026 US Open title.
Sabalenka also has three Grand Slam singles titles.
She won the 2023 Australian Open, followed by the 2024 US Open and 2025 US Open.
Both players now have three major titles. However, Rybakina has won her three titles at three different Grand Slam tournaments.
ALSO READ: India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Preview: Can Afghanistan Create History in Delhi?
$5.5 Million Prize Money for Elena Rybakina
Rybakina will also earn $5.5 million in prize money for winning the 2026 US Open women’s singles title.
But the money is only one part of her achievement.
The victory gives Rybakina her first championship at Flushing Meadows. It also strengthens her position as one of the top players in women’s tennis.
For Sabalenka, the loss ends her attempt to win three straight US Open titles.
For Rybakina, the victory becomes a major moment in her career and another big step in her growing rivalry with Sabalenka at the 2026 US Open.
What are your thoughts on this US Open Women’s Singles final performance by both players? Let us know in the comments.
Keep following Sportschilly for the latest updates.
