Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Rybakina Ends Sabalenka’s US Open Three-Peat Bid
Elena Rybakina won the US Open tennis final against Aryna Sabalenka.
Rybakina won the first set 6-4.
Sabalenka fought back and won the second set 7-5.
Rybakina then won the deciding set 6-2.
This gave Rybakina her first US Open championship.
Sabalenka had hoped to win the tournament for the third year in a row.
After losing, Sabalenka became very upset and smashed racquets.
She also hit a ball into the stands and asked a cameraman to move away.
Sabalenka said she was trying to release her anger and disappointment.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open final.
Rybakina won her maiden US Open title, while Sabalenka missed a third consecutive championship.
The loss ended Sabalenka’s 99-week reign as world No. 1 and left her without a 2026 Grand Slam title.
Sabalenka smashed racquets, hit a ball into the stands, received a warning, and waved away a cameraman after the match.
Sabalenka said the outburst helped her release the aggression and disappointment of losing a Grand Slam final.
- Who
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final.
- What
- Rybakina won the 2026 US Open, ending Sabalenka’s title defense and three-peat attempt.
- When
- The final took place on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows in New York.
- Why
- Rybakina won by taking the first and deciding sets; Sabalenka said her post-match actions released her frustration.
Emotional release
Conduct criticism
Racquet smashing
Emotional release
Sabalenka said the outburst was a way to release intense aggression and disappointment after a painful Grand Slam final loss.
Conduct criticism
Reports noted that she received criticism for smashing racquets and displaying anger immediately after the defeat.
Reaction to the cameraman
Emotional release
Sabalenka appeared overwhelmed and asked the camera operator to stop filming her while she was visibly upset.
Conduct criticism
A report said she used an expletive while telling the cameraman to move away, which drew attention to her conduct.
- Final score
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
- Champion
- Elena Rybakina won her maiden US Open title.
- Sabalenka’s record
- She had won the US Open in 2024 and 2025 and was seeking a third straight title.
- Ranking change
- Sabalenka lost the world No. 1 ranking after 99 weeks at the top.
- Match statistic
- One report said Sabalenka committed 35 unforced errors.
- Post-match incidents
- Sabalenka smashed racquets, hit a ball into the stands, received a warning, and objected to a camera focusing on her.
- Sabalenka’s explanation
- She said she wanted to let her aggression and disappointment out rather than keep them inside.
Sources
Aryna Sabalenka Smashes Racket After US Open Final Loss To Elena Rybakina; Video Goes Viral
Watch: Aryna Sabalenka destroys racquet after losing US Open title, World No 1 spot
PIX: Sabalenka smashes racket after US Open final heartbreak
WATCH | Aryna Sabalenka smashes racquet after US Open final defeat to Rybakina
'I Wanted To Let Go Of All That Aggression': Aryna Sabalenka Explains Racket Smash After US Open Final Loss To Elena Rybakina | Video
Aryna Sabalenka Snaps At Cameraman After Heartbreaking US Open Final Defeat | Video