Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Sabalenka, Rybakina Meet Again in High-Stakes US Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will play in the US Open final on Saturday.
Sabalenka wants to win the tournament for the third year in a row.
If she succeeds, she would become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three straight US Open singles titles.
Rybakina wants to win her first US Open title and her third major championship.
She already beat Sabalenka in this year’s Australian Open final.
Rybakina will become the world’s No.
1 women’s player on Monday, no matter who wins.
Sabalenka reached the final by beating Jessica Pegula in two sets.
Rybakina came back from losing the first set to beat Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka has won more of their matches overall, but Rybakina has had more success when they meet in finals.
Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s US Open final.
Sabalenka is seeking her third consecutive US Open title and fourth straight final.
Rybakina will become the WTA’s World No. 1 on Monday regardless of the result.
Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2, while Rybakina rallied past Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Sabalenka leads their overall rivalry 10-7, but Rybakina leads their finals meetings 4-2 and won their Australian Open final.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are competing in the women’s final.
- What
- They will play for the US Open championship, with Sabalenka pursuing a third consecutive title and Rybakina pursuing her first US Open crown.
- When
- The final is scheduled for Saturday, and Rybakina is scheduled to become World No. 1 on Monday.
- Where
- The match will be played at the US Open in New York, on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Why
- Both players are seeking a major title, while Sabalenka is chasing a three-peat and Rybakina is seeking to complete her rise to No. 1 with a US Open victory.
Sabalenka’s Case
Rybakina’s Case
Final Objective
Sabalenka’s Case
Sabalenka is trying to win three consecutive US Open titles and join Serena Williams and Chris Evert as an Open Era player to achieve the feat.
Rybakina’s Case
Rybakina is seeking her first US Open title, her third major championship and a second major victory this season.
Recent Form
Sabalenka’s Case
Sabalenka has lost only one set in six matches, defeated Pegula in straight sets and has won her last two meetings with Rybakina.
Rybakina’s Case
Rybakina overcame a difficult draw, including Naomi Osaka, Qinwen Zheng and Gauff, and recovered from a set down against Gauff.
Rivalry Advantage
Sabalenka’s Case
Sabalenka leads the overall rivalry 10-7 and has won two of their three Grand Slam meetings.
Rybakina’s Case
Rybakina leads 4-2 in finals and won their most important 2026 meeting, the Australian Open final.
- Final matchup
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina
- Sabalenka’s record in New York
- She has lost one set in six matches and carries a 20-match US Open winning streak.
- Semifinal results
- Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2; Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
- Sabalenka’s objective
- A third consecutive US Open title and fourth straight US Open final.
- Rybakina’s objective
- Her first US Open title, third major championship and second major title of the year.
- Ranking change
- Rybakina will take the World No. 1 ranking on Monday regardless of the final’s result.
- Head-to-head
- Sabalenka leads 10-7 overall, while Rybakina leads 4-2 in finals; the accounts differ on whether Saturday will be their 17th or 18th meeting.
