Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, capturing her first title at Flushing Meadows and rising to world No. 1, according to CNN. The victory secured Rybakina’s third career grand slam title and her third title of the season, tying Sabalenka and French Open winner Mirra Andreeva, as reported by CNN and Fox Sports Australia.
US Open Final Match Dynamics and Statistics
According to CNN, Rybakina dispatched Sabalenka in the opening set in just 44 minutes with a score of 6-4. CNN noted that Rybakina won the first set despite completing only 27% of her first serves, losing just eight of 30 points off her serve and facing no break points. Fox Sports Australia reported that the match lasted two hours and 21 minutes, concluding when Rybakina sealed the win with an ace.
Sabalenka battled back in the second set. According to CNN, the Belarusian player held a 5-4 lead and had two chances to close out the set before Rybakina tied it at 5-5. Sabalenka ultimately secured the second set 7-5. Fox Sports Australia noted that Sabalenka’s serve faltered in the decisive third set, where Rybakina jumped to a 5-2 double-break lead.
Grand Slam Context and Historical Stakes
With this victory, Rybakina claimed her third career grand slam, following her 2022 Wimbledon title and her Australian Open win earlier in the year, according to Fox Sports Australia and the main source material. The main source reported that Rybakina is now one French Open triumph away from completing a career grand slam, placing her close to Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner. Fox Sports Australia noted that Sabalenka was seeking three straight US Open titles to join Serena Williams and Chris Evert, but instead lost her 19-match tournament win streak, as cited by CNN.
Coaching Staff Controversies and Tour Status
According to the main source material, Rybakina’s development has coincided with her recovery from health issues and injuries from 2024 and 2025, alongside the return of her coach, Stefano Vukov. The main source reported that Vukov was banned from WTA tournaments last year following an investigation into abusive conduct, but the ban was overturned upon appeal in August 2025. Rybakina credited her team’s restoration as a key factor in her success, stating, “I think that now I have a very good team around me, good people,” according to the main source.
Did you know? Elena Rybakina earned a reported $5.5 million for her US Open victory, marking the largest prize in Grand Slam history, according to CNN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 US Open women’s singles final?
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to win the title, according to CNN and Fox Sports Australia.
How many grand slam titles does Elena Rybakina have?
Rybakina has three career grand slam titles, including her 2022 Wimbledon win, the Australian Open, and the US Open, according to Fox Sports Australia and the main source.
What was the prize money for the US Open women’s singles winner?
Rybakina earned a reported $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, according to CNN.
Explore more tennis coverage and updates by subscribing to our newsletter or checking out our latest tournament reports.
Worth a look