Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Rybakina Stuns Sabalenka to Claim 2026 US Open Title
Elena Rybakina won the US Open women’s tennis championship.
She beat Aryna Sabalenka in a very close three-set match.
Rybakina won the first set, lost the second, and then won the final set 6-2.
Before the tournament, she was worried that a foot or Achilles problem might stop her from playing.
She had not practiced with her racquet for seven days.
She practiced for only four days before beginning her title-winning run.
Rybakina said she was surprised because she had not expected to win.
This was her third Grand Slam title.
She will also become the world’s No.
1 women’s tennis player.
Elena Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final.
Rybakina overcame an Achilles and foot issue after going seven days without touching her racquet before the tournament.
The Kazakh player won her third Grand Slam title and third championship of the season.
The victory was Rybakina’s second Grand Slam final win over Sabalenka this year, following the Australian Open.
Rybakina will become world No. 1 on Monday, ending Sabalenka’s second stint at the top.
- Who
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles final.
- What
- Rybakina won the 2026 US Open women’s singles title, the third Grand Slam title of her career.
- When
- The final was played on Sunday, and Rybakina will become world No. 1 on Monday.
- Where
- The final took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Rybakina overcame foot and Achilles concerns, limited preparation, and Sabalenka’s fightback to win the match.
- Final score
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
- Match duration
- Two hours and 21 minutes.
- Rybakina’s Grand Slam titles
- Three, including the 2026 US Open.
- Season titles
- Three titles in 2026.
- Career titles
- Fourteen.
- Ranking change
- Rybakina will debut as world No. 1 on Monday.
- Preparation
- She did not touch her racquet for seven days before the tournament and practiced for four days.