Story perspectives

Rybakina Reaches US Open Final, Sabalenka Faces Her

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sabalenka vs Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the US Open women’s final.
Rybakina clinched the world No. 1 ranking by reaching the US Open semifinals.
All four top seeds reached the US Open semifinals, a first since 1975.
Rybakina will replace Sabalenka as world No. 1 when rankings update on Monday.
Sabalenka entered the final on a 19-match US Open winning streak dating back to 2024.

Summary

Sabalenka Fuels

The US Open women’s champion will earn $5.5 million, and the runner-up will receive $2.8 million.
U.S. viewers can watch the final on ESPN; the UK on Sky Sports; India on JioHotstar; South Africa on SuperSport.
Coach Anton Dubrov said Sabalenka’s loss of the No. 1 spot provides extra fuel and removes mental drain.
Player Rybakina said she will not add pressure before the final, viewing it as another chance to test herself.

History

Historical Context

In 1975, the US Open women’s singles saw an unprecedented four top seeds—Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Margaret Court, and Evonne Goolagong—reach the semifinals. That year the champion earned a $10,000 prize, while each semifinalist secured at least $5,000, reflecting modest yet significant financial stakes. The 2024 US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina repeats the 1975 pattern, with all four top seeds again advancing to the semifinals. Consequently, today’s champion will claim $5.5 million, illustrating the tournament’s exponential growth and the sport’s expanding global commercial appeal.

1 of 3

Sabalenka vs Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the US Open women’s final.
Rybakina clinched the world No. 1 ranking by reaching the US Open semifinals.
All four top seeds reached the US Open semifinals, a first since 1975.
Rybakina will replace Sabalenka as world No. 1 when rankings update on Monday.
Sabalenka entered the final on a 19-match US Open winning streak dating back to 2024.

1 / 3