Rybakina Ends Sabalenka’s 99-Week Reign, Wins First US Open Title

Elena Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium to win her first US Open title and claim the WTA world No. 1 ranking, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top.

Match at a glance

The three-set final lasted 2 hours and 21 minutes. Rybakina captured the opening set after breaking for a 3-2 lead despite a low first-serve percentage, Sabalenka fought back to take the second set, and Rybakina closed out the match with a decisive third set that included two late breaks and an ace on match point.

Key facts and milestones

• Final score: Elena Rybakina d. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. (Source: WTA)
• Rybakina’s achievement: Her first US Open title and third Grand Slam overall, following Wimbledon 2022 and the 2026 Australian Open. (Source: WTA)
• World No. 1: Rybakina was already guaranteed the top spot by reaching the semifinals; the title finishes a run that ends Sabalenka’s 99-week reign. (Sources: Mathrubhumi, Khel Now, WTA)
• Prize money and career context: Reports note Rybakina’s successful season and that the US Open prize was part of her earnings this year; WTA also described her as third player since 2000 to win both the Australian Open and US Open in the same season. (Source: WTA)

How the match unfolded

Rybakina started the final on the front foot, converting an early break and taking the first set despite registering a low first-serve percentage. Sabalenka raised her level in the second set, using improved serving and varied shotmaking to save set points at 5-5 and then take the set 7-5. In the decider, Rybakina secured early breaks, built a lead and sealed the championship with an ace for her 12th ace of the match. WTA match coverage described Rybakina’s closing volley that broke for 5-2 and her match-ending ace. (Source: WTA)

Aftermath: reactions and what changes

Rybakina called the victory hard to put into words and said she hadn’t expected such success at the tournament she previously struggled to win. She noted injury concerns earlier in the summer but said things aligned for her in New York. (Source: WTA)

Sabalenka, who entered the match aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three straight US Opens, expressed disappointment but also vowed to use the loss as motivation. She reflected on positives from the week and said the experience would push her to come back stronger. Reports indicate she had held the No. 1 ranking for 99 consecutive weeks and that her overall total at No. 1 amounts to more weeks when counting earlier periods. (Sources: GMA Network, Spiegel, WTA)

Rankings and tour implications

With Rybakina ascending to No. 1, the WTA top 10 reshuffled. Multiple outlets published updated live rankings after the tournament showing Rybakina atop and Sabalenka moving to No. 2. One summary of the post–US Open standings listed Rybakina with 9,901 points and Sabalenka with 7,875, and noted other movements into and out of the top 10 including Marta Kostyuk’s debut and Amanda Anisimova dropping out. (Source: Khel Now)

WTA commentary framed Rybakina’s season as a Grand Slam-rich year — she won the Australian Open earlier in 2026, and her US Open title makes her one Roland Garros away from a Career Grand Slam, according to the tour summary. The victory also underlined a recent head-to-head edge: Rybakina has beaten Sabalenka repeatedly in high-stakes matches this season, including the Australian Open final and other late-stage meetings. (Source: WTA)

U.S. significance and local angles

The US Open is one of four Grand Slams and a major sporting event in the United States; Rybakina’s win occurred on Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, in front of a large U.S. audience. Sabalenka noted the crowd support during the final and even said at one point she felt “American” due to the backing she received while fighting back in the match. Rybakina’s breakthrough adds to the tournament’s narrative of global stars winning on American soil and will factor into U.S.-centered coverage of the women’s tour as the season moves toward year-end championships. (Sources: Spiegel, GMA Network, WTA)

Unresolved points and context to watch

1. Sabalenka’s response over the indoor hard-court and clay seasons ahead: She signaled determination to improve after a demanding year. (Source: GMA Network)
2. Rybakina’s fitness: She entered Flushing Meadows carrying injury concerns from Cincinnati but completed the event successfully; monitoring her condition into the off-season will be relevant for the WTA finals and 2027 preparations. (Source: WTA)
3. Year-end rankings and WTA Finals qualification: Post–US Open ranking shifts change the live race to the WTA Finals; the updated live race standings show Rybakina leading and several players’ positions altered. How those positions hold up across the remaining events will determine the year-end field. (Source: Khel Now)

“It’s kind of a relief because you do all the routines for the past two, three weeks… I feel that it’s going to be amazing to wake up knowing I achieved such big things,” Rybakina said during her post-match press conference. (Source: WTA)

What happened in New York changes the top of women’s tennis: Rybakina now carries the No. 1 mantle, and Sabalenka — a player who spent nearly 100 straight weeks atop the rankings — will be looking to respond. The result will shape headlines across the U.S. tennis season and the WTA calendar into next year.