Elena Rybakina Wins First US Open Title Against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina walked into New York chasing a milestone. She left it with a statement.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Kazakh star claimed her first US Open title, outlasting top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a bruising three-set final, 6:4, 5:7, 6:2.

This was not a procession. It was a wrestle for control.

Rybakina struck first, taking the opening set 6:4. Her serve bit, her groundstrokes stayed flat and true, and she kept Sabalenka just off balance enough to edge the key rallies. The defending champion, forced to chase early, found herself a step behind in the exchanges as Rybakina imposed a cleaner, more measured rhythm on the match.

Sabalenka does not stay quiet for long.

The Belarusian, the reigning US Open winner and the tournament’s top seed, dug in during the second set. The intensity rose, the rallies stretched, and the errors that had crept into her game early began to fade. Sabalenka pushed harder on return, went after second serves, and finally cracked open the resistance.

The pressure told late in the set. Sabalenka broke and held her nerve to close it out 7:5, dragging the contest level and shifting the mood in the stadium. One set all, the champion roaring, the challenger suddenly forced to reset.

Rybakina responded with steel.

In the decider, she seized back the initiative. The Kazakh tightened her patterns, cut out the loose points, and began to dictate again. Sabalenka managed just two games in that final set as Rybakina’s accuracy and composure took over. Each hold from Rybakina felt heavier, each break against Sabalenka more decisive.

The final act was clinical. A 6:2 third set, a two-sets-to-one victory, and with it the first US Open title of Elena Rybakina’s career.

Sabalenka arrived as the favourite, armed with the status of defending champion and world-leading seed. She leaves having been pushed back by a rival who matched her power and outlasted her in the key moments.

Rybakina leaves with more than a trophy. She leaves with proof that on one of the sport’s biggest stages, against the reigning champion, her game holds up when it matters most.