Elena Rybakina has won her first U.S. Open women’s singles title after defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a thrilling final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The 27-year-old Kazakhstan player produced a composed and powerful performance to end Sabalenka’s 20-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows and prevent the Belarusian from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams and Chris Evert to win three consecutive U.S. Open titles.
Rybakina overcame concerns over an ankle injury that had threatened her participation before the tournament and added the U.S. Open crown to her Australian Open triumph earlier this year and Wimbledon title in 2022. Her victory also comes as she rises to the world number one ranking and earns a $5.5 million prize.
Sabalenka fought back strongly in the second set after Rybakina took control of the opening set, forcing a decider with a series of powerful winners. However, Rybakina regained her composure in the final set, racing to a 5-2 lead before serving out the match to secure her third Grand Slam title and leave Sabalenka without a major trophy in 2026.
