Elena Rybakina Wins US Open, Ends Sabalenka's Title Streak
Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win her first US Open and rise to world number one.
By Jonas Weber · First published 9 Sept 2026
In brief
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women's singles final.
- This is Rybakina's first US Open title and her third career Grand Slam victory.
- Rybakina's win ends Sabalenka's bid for a third consecutive US Open crown.
- With this victory, Rybakina officially rises to world number one in women's tennis.
- Sabalenka's 99-week reign as world number one concludes with her loss in the final.
Timeline · 7 moments
Rybakina defeats Zheng Qinwen to reach US Open semifinals
L'Équipe ↗Rybakina secures World No.1 ranking in women's tennis
Franceinfo ↗Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign as World No.1 ends
BBC Sport ↗Rybakina set to face Gauff or Andreeva in US Open semis
www.espn.com - TOP Sports ↗Rybakina defeats Gauff to reach US Open final
Sky Sports ↗Sabalenka beats Pegula, advances to fourth straight final
Arab News ↗Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to win first US Open
Al Jazeera ↗Update 13 Sept 2026, 1:52 pm UTC
Elena Rybakina won the US Open final, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to claim her first US Open title and third Grand Slam overall. This victory also confirmed Rybakina as the new world number one, ending Sabalenka's long reign at the top.
Update 11 Sept 2026, 0:41 pm UTC
Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff in the US Open semifinals to reach her first final at this tournament. She will face Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Jessica Pegula, in a highly anticipated final between the world's top two players.
Update 9 Sept 2026, 11:07 pm UTC
Coco Gauff defeated Mirra Andreeva in a dramatic quarterfinal, saving two match points, and will now face Elena Rybakina in the US Open semifinals. Rybakina's new No.1 ranking is secured, and the semifinal matchup is now set.
How it started
Elena Rybakina entered the 2026 US Open as the world number two, already recognized as one of the top players on the tour. Throughout the season, she had built momentum with strong performances in major tournaments and was seen as a contender for the top ranking. The women's tennis rankings had been dominated by Aryna Sabalenka, who held the number one spot for nearly 100 weeks. The US Open presented an opportunity for Rybakina to finally break through and claim the top position.
How it unfolded
On September 9, 2026, Rybakina faced China's Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals of the US Open. According to L'Équipe, Rybakina, at 27 years old, secured her spot as the 30th woman to ever reach the number one ranking by winning this match. The contest was not straightforward, as Rybakina lost the first set 3-6. However, she rallied to take the next two sets 6-1 and 6-4, showing resilience against a strong opponent.
Franceinfo reported that this victory not only sent Rybakina to the semifinals but also mathematically ensured her rise to the top of the WTA rankings. BBC Sport noted that her win officially ended Aryna Sabalenka's reign at number one, which had lasted 99 weeks. This change marks a significant shift in women's tennis, as the top spot changes hands for the first time in nearly two years.
ESPN added that Rybakina is now set to play either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals. The win over Zheng was seen as a major milestone in Rybakina's career, highlighting her consistency and determination throughout the season.
Where it stands
Elena Rybakina is now officially the new World No.1 in women's tennis. Her victory at the US Open quarterfinals has propelled her to the top of the rankings, replacing Aryna Sabalenka after a long reign. Rybakina's achievement is being celebrated as a significant moment for Kazakh tennis and for the sport globally. She remains in contention for the US Open title, with her next match set for the semifinals.
What to watch
The next stage for Rybakina is the US Open semifinals, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Mirra Andreeva. Tennis fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if she can translate her new number one status into a US Open championship.
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