Industry Odisha Bureau, 13: Elena Rybakina has won the US Open women’s singles title. She beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in New York. The win also confirmed her rise to world No. 1.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open final. The victory delivered Rybakina her third Grand Slam singles title. It also completed her rise to world No. 1. Rybakina had already secured the top ranking by reaching the semi-finals. She replaces Sabalenka atop the women’s rankings. The result denied Sabalenka a third consecutive US Open title.
Rybakina Claims Third Grand Slam
Rybakina’s title joins her 2022 Wimbledon crown. She also won the Australian Open earlier this year. That final also came against Sabalenka. Three of Rybakina’s four Grand Slam finals have involved Sabalenka. Rybakina has won two of those three meetings. Sabalenka won their previous final at the 2023 Australian Open.
Rybakina Takes Opening Set
Both players began the final aggressively from the baseline. Sabalenka saved early break points with strong serving. Rybakina then seized control with deep, relentless groundstrokes. Sabalenka double-faulted on break point and received a code violation. She was warned for ball abuse after the incident. Rybakina committed no unforced errors through the first seven games. She closed out the opening set 6-4.
Sabalenka Forces Deciding Set
Sabalenka settled into the second set with sturdier serving. She twice held to love to move ahead 5-4. Rybakina saved two break points to level at 5-5. Sabalenka then held for a 6-5 lead. She broke Rybakina in the following game to force a decider. The set finished 7-5 in Sabalenka’s favour.
Rybakina Dominates Decider
Rybakina responded immediately once the third set began. Her baseline power again put Sabalenka under sustained pressure. She closed out the match with a 6-2 deciding set. Sabalenka smashed her racket in frustration after the final point.
Rybakina-Sabalenka Rivalry Deepens
The result extended an increasingly significant rivalry between the two. Their three shared Grand Slam finals now favour Rybakina two to one. Each meeting has added weight to their competitive history. This latest final arrived with the world No. 1 ranking at stake.
Sabalenka’s Flushing Meadows Streak Ends
Sabalenka had arrived unbeaten in 20 previous matches at Flushing Meadows. That run, and her bid for a third straight title, ended. She will finish 2026 without a Grand Slam title. It is her first majorless season since 2022. “I guess next year,” Sabalenka told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
Closing
Rybakina had never previously passed the fourth round in New York. She leaves this year’s tournament as champion and world No. 1. “I can’t find the words now,” Rybakina said while accepting the trophy. She added that she was “falling more and more in love with New York.”
