World No. 2 Elena Rybakina defeated top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win her maiden US Open women’s singles title at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday.
The victory gave the 27-year-old Kazakhstani her third Grand Slam crown and also saw her replace Sabalenka at the top of the women’s world rankings.
It is Rybakina’s first major title since winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
Rybakina made a fast start in the final, taking the opening set in just 44 minutes.
Despite landing only 27 per cent of her first serves, she held firm on serve, winning 22 of 30 points and not allowing Sabalenka a single break opportunity.
Sabalenka, who had won the US Open in 2024 and 2025, responded strongly in the second set.
The Belarusian led 5-4 and twice had opportunities to close it out, but Rybakina fought back on both occasions to level at 5-5. Sabalenka eventually won the set 7-5 to force a decider.
Rybakina then regained control in the third set, racing into a 5-2 lead with two breaks of serve.
She sealed the championship with an ace on match point, ending Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows.
After the match, Sabalenka threw her racket to the ground before embracing Rybakina at the net.
She later smashed the same racket while sitting on the bench.
Rybakina, who reportedly earned $5.5m for the victory, said she struggled to find the right words after securing the title.
“I didn’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament,” Rybakina said.
“I’ve been dealing with a little injury but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”
She also praised Sabalenka, describing her as a “great champion.”
“It’s so difficult to play against you. You push to such limits. I was dying on the court and just tried to get all the possible balls … I can’t find the words, I am sorry.”
Rybakina also thanked the New York crowd and reflected on her previous difficulties at the tournament.
“I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful. Nothing close to that. Its just incredible. I am falling in love with New York more and more and it’s more amazing memories for me,” Rybakina added.
Sabalenka congratulated Rybakina after the defeat, while acknowledging her own disappointment.
“Obviously, I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, incredible result” Sabalenka told ESPN.
“Well deserved, enjoy it, have fun tonight, tomorrow, and until the end of the season so I can play well and win some titles.”
Sabalenka had been bidding to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win the US Open three consecutive times, after Serena Williams and Chris Evert.
