RYBAKINA DEFEATS SABALENKA TO CLAIM HISTORIC US OPEN CROWN

Elena Rybakina has won her first US Open women’s singles title after defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final in New York. The Kazakh star recovered from a second-set setback to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 and complete a remarkable run at Flushing Meadows.

The victory gives Rybakina her third Grand Slam title, following her Wimbledon triumph in 2022 and Australian Open success earlier in 2026. She also becomes the first player representing Kazakhstan to win the US Open singles championship, adding another major milestone to what has already been the most successful season of her career.

Rybakina had to withstand a strong challenge from Sabalenka, who was chasing a third consecutive US Open title. After taking the opening set, the 27-year-old surrendered the second as Sabalenka fought back, but she quickly regained control in the deciding set. Rybakina's powerful groundstrokes and composed serving eventually proved too much for the Belarusian, who struggled to maintain the level that had carried her through the tournament.

The triumph also strengthens Rybakina's position at the top of women's tennis. She is set to become the new WTA world No.1 when the rankings are officially updated, replacing Sabalenka after the Belarusian had spent an extended period at the summit. Rybakina becomes the first man or woman from Kazakhstan to reach the top ranking in tennis.

The US Open victory caps a historic year for Rybakina, who has now won two Grand Slam titles in 2026 after also defeating Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. Her latest success makes her only the third woman this century to win both hard-court Grand Slam tournaments in the same year, putting her among an elite group of players and firmly establishing her as the leading figure in women's tennis.