Elena Rybakina claimed her maiden US Open title on Saturday, defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. With this victory, the 27-year-old moves to the top of the women’s world rankings. The win also marks Rybakina’s third career Grand Slam title, following her success at the Australian Open earlier this year, and earns her a record-breaking $5.5 million in prize money.
The first set was decided in 44 minutes as Rybakina took a 6-4 lead. Despite struggling with her serve—landing only 27% of her first serves—the Russian-born Kazakhstani managed to remain dominant on her service points, losing only eight of 30 points and facing no break points. Sabalenka, visibly frustrated during the opening set, appeared to settle in during the second, eventually forcing a decider by closing it out 7-5 after Rybakina failed to capitalize on two opportunities to break while up 5-4.
Rybakina regained control in the third set, surging to a 5-2 lead with a double break. She clinched the championship with an ace on match point, ending Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at the tournament. Sabalenka, the 2024 and 2025 champion, missed the chance to become the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open titles, a feat previously achieved by Chris Evert and Serena Williams.
Following the final point, Sabalenka threw her racket to the ground and later smashed it on the bench after the pair exchanged a brief embrace at the net. Reflecting on her victory, Rybakina noted that she found it “tough to find words,” adding that she had not expected this outcome after dealing with a recent injury. “Everything aligned together on my side,” she said, while also praising her opponent as a “great champion.”
Rybakina, who has competed in New York for a decade without prior success, expressed her growing affection for the city and thanked the crowd for the “amazing atmosphere.” Sabalenka, while disappointed, was gracious in defeat, congratulating Rybakina on her season and wishing her continued success for the remainder of the year. “I am dying on the court and just tried to get all the possible balls,” Rybakina added when reflecting on the intensity of the matchup.
This performance ties Rybakina with Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for the most tour-level titles this season, with each holding three. As Rybakina celebrates her climb to world number one, she looks ahead to the remainder of the season following her milestone achievement in New York. The report also notes that making her feelings known about the struggles as she mouthed her displeasure to herself and her coaching box, the Belarusian Sabalenka looked at odds with herself for a good portion of the opening set. The report also notes that she battled back and looked more in control throughout the second set, but like Sabalenka has done many times in her illustrious career. The report also notes that while up 5-4, had the chance to put the set away twice but both times, Rybakina drew right back to tie it up at 5-5, the 28-year-old. The report also notes that quickly jumping out to a 5-2 double-break lead, putting Sabalenka on the ropes with the frustration coming back to haunt her, the 27-year-old Rybakina came out on a mission to start the third set. The report also notes that “It’s so difficult to play against you. The report also notes that “I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful. The report also notes that “Obviously, I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, incredible result” Sabalenka told ESPN.
