Full Breakdown
Rybakina Claims US Open Crown, Ascends to World No. 1
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Championship Match Overview
Elena Rybakina defeated top-seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The win gave Rybakina her third Grand Slam title, her first US Open crown, and secured the world No. 1 ranking she had already clinched by reaching the semifinals. Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows ended, ending her bid for a third consecutive US Open title.
Road to Flushing Meadows
Rybakina entered after a week-long ankle injury layoff that forced her out of the Cincinnati quarterfinals. She did not drop a set in her first four matches, dispatching Naomi Osaka in the round of 16 with seven aces and 29 winners while committing only 17 unforced errors. In the semifinals she survived a three-set battle against Coco Gauff, saving a set point before breaking early in the third set to advance.
Match Statistics
- First-serve percentage: Rybakina 27 % (8 of 30).
- Aces: Rybakina 12 (including the match-point ace).
- Break points: Rybakina earned early breaks in the first and third sets; Sabalenka broke once in the second set.
- Unforced errors: Sabalenka committed 14 of her 35 first-set errors; Rybakina’s error count remained low.
- Prize money: Champion’s purse $5.5 million, the largest in Grand Slam history.
Official Statements & Reactions
She praised Sabalenka as “a great champion.” Sabalenka expressed disappointment with her level but called Rybakina “simply a better player today.” Gauff highlighted Rybakina’s relentless pressure and composure.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The WTA rankings update on Monday will officially place Rybakina at world No. 1, giving her a more than 2,000-point lead over Sabalenka. Rybakina now turns to the French Open, while Sabalenka will look to rebound and reclaim the top ranking.