Elena Rybakina Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win First US Open Title and Become World No. 1

Elena Rybakina has defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 U.S. Open women’s singles title in New York.

The victory gives Rybakina her first U.S. Open crown and the third Grand Slam title of her career after Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year.

Rybakina ended Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and stopped the Belarusian star from claiming a third consecutive U.S. Open championship.

The 27-year-old Kazakh will also rise to world No. 1 when the new WTA rankings are released, becoming the first woman representing Kazakhstan to reach the top ranking.

Rybakina entered the tournament with concerns over an ankle injury but produced a remarkable run through New York, defeating former champions Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka before overcoming Sabalenka in the final.

The win also earns Rybakina the $5.5 million champion’s prize and confirms her place at the top of women’s tennis after one of the biggest victories of her career.