Source : ABC NEWS
Elena Rybakina has won her first US Open title, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of a hat-trick of wins at Flushing Meadows in New York.
Rybakina controlled the first set, then was put in danger in the second, defending two set points before losing a third to allow Sabalenka back into the match.
However, the Kazakh player held her nerve, taking an early break in the third set and holding on for her third major title win, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
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The win marked a second major triumph for Rybakina this year, after her Australian Open final victory over Sabalenka in January.
Sabalenka’s loss ended her hopes of winning a third US Open crown in a row, emulating tennis great Serena Williams who was undefeated between 2012 and 2014.
Sabalenka was increasingly frustrated through the match, smashing a couple of racquets as she struggled to find a way past her opponent.
Aryna Sabalenka’s inability to crack Elena Rybakina left her frustrated at the US Open final. (Getty Images: Sarah Stier)
Rybakina stopped Sabalenka’s 19-match winning streak at the US Open, where she hadn’t lost since falling to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final.
The WTA Tour leader in aces got less than half of her first serves in but instead put Sabalenka under constant pressure with a strong return game, racking up 12 break chances and converting three, which was all she needed.
Rybakina earned $US5.5 million ($7.67 million), the largest prize in Grand Slam history, and tied Sabalenka and French Open winner Mirra Andreeva with a tour-high three titles this season.
Sabalenka took home $US2.8 million ($3.9 million) but it was clear how little that meant to her, as she smashed her racquet after a brief hug with Rybakina at the net.
A devastated Sabalenka found it hard to talk at the trophy presentation.
“That’s the last thing I want to do now is giving a speech,” she said.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed but I want to say congratulations Elena, it’s a great win.
“I wish I could perform a little better, but maybe next year,” she said as tears fell.
Rybakina was naturally overjoyed and a little overwhelmed.
“It’s tough to find words right now,” she told the crowd at Flushing Meadows.
“I didn’t expect anything like this coming to this tournament. I’ve been dealing with an injury but somehow everything aligned together on my side.
“I want to say to Aryna (Sabalenka), you are a great champion. It’s so difficult to play you. I was diving around on court trying to get balls [back].
Rybakina also thanked the crowd for their support, adding: “I’m falling in love with New York more and more.”
It was celebration time for Elena Rybakina at the US Open after she won her second major title of 2026. (Getty Images: Julian Finney)
The second seed drew first blood to go ahead 3-2 following a Sabalenka double fault, with the frustrated Belarusian earning a code violation immediately afterwards for launching a ball high into the stands of the main showcourt.
A sudden drop-off in Rybakina’s level midway through the second set gave the 28-year-old Sabalenka hope, and she produced a delicate drop shot and a stunning backhand crosscourt winner en route to forcing a deciding set.
However, Rybakina’s quality shone through as she took a commanding 5-2 lead and then closed out a famous triumph to leave her Belarusian rival without any major silverware in 2026.
ABC/wires
