Elena Rybakina Captures First US Open Title

Elena Rybakina walked into New York chasing a breakthrough. She walked out a US Open champion.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Kazakh star claimed her first title at Flushing Meadows, outlasting top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set final, 6–4, 5–7, 6–2.

It was a statement win, and it came against the most imposing figure in the women’s game over the past year.

Fast start, fierce response

Rybakina set the tone early. Her serve, the bedrock of her game, landed with authority in the opening set. She controlled the tempo, kept rallies on her terms, and pounced on the few chances Sabalenka offered.

A single break was enough. Rybakina held her nerve and her serve to close out the first set 6–4, edging in front and silencing the momentum of the reigning champion.

Sabalenka did not stay quiet for long.

The Belarusian, last year’s winner and the tournament’s top seed, raised the intensity in the second set. She hit through the court with heavier groundstrokes, pressed on return, and dragged the match into the kind of physical, emotional battle she usually thrives on.

Rybakina stayed with her, game for game. At 5–5, the set still hung in the balance. Then Sabalenka struck. She broke at the key moment and rode that surge to take the set 7–5, levelling the match and reminding everyone why she arrived as the player to beat.

One set all. One title on the line.

Decider belongs to Rybakina

The third set answered the question of who wanted it more – and who could execute under pressure.

Rybakina seized control again. Her serve returned to its first-set dominance, and her groundstrokes cut through Sabalenka’s resistance. She broke early, then broke again, turning the decider into a one-sided scoreboard even if the rallies remained fierce.

Sabalenka managed just two games in the final set as Rybakina kept tightening the screws. Every hold from the Kazakh pushed the finish line closer; every missed chance from Sabalenka deepened the sense that the crown was slipping away.

At 6–2 in the third, it was over. Two sets to one. A 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 victory. A first US Open title for Elena Rybakina, delivered against the defending champion on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Sabalenka came in as the standard-bearer and the favourite. Rybakina left as the new champion.