Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to claim first US Open title

Elena Rybakina has won her first US Open women’s singles title, defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in New York.

The second seed overcame the top seed in their third Grand Slam final meeting, ending Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive US Open title.

The result is expected to see Rybakina replace Sabalenka as world No. 1 when the rankings are updated next week. Sky Sports reported that the change had already been guaranteed before the final.

Rybakina’s victory gives her three Grand Slam titles, following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph and Australian Open win earlier in 2026. She also said she had been managing an ankle injury during the tournament.

Sabalenka, who had reached the final by defeating Jessica Pegula, congratulated Rybakina after the match and said she wished she had performed better. Rybakina had advanced by beating Coco Gauff.