New world No. 1 Elena Rybakina wins maiden US Open title in three-set thriller

Elena Rybakina Claims First US Open Crown and Takes Over World No. 1 Spot

Activelifezero.com – Elena Rybakina completed a landmark night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to capture her first US Open singles championship. The victory also ensures that Rybakina will move to the top of the women’s rankings on Monday, replacing the player she beat in the final.

The 27-year-old Kazakhstani, who was born in Russia, collected her third Grand Slam title and her first since winning the Australian Open earlier this year. Her New York triumph came after a demanding three-set contest against Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed and two-time defending champion.

A fast start despite serving difficulties

Rybakina took command early, securing the opening set in just 44 minutes. Her 6-4 lead was especially striking because only 27% of her first serves landed in the set. Still, she was highly effective when serving, dropping just eight of 30 points and never facing a break point.

Sabalenka appeared frustrated during much of the first set, visibly reacting to her struggles and looking toward her coaching box. Rybakina, meanwhile, stayed composed and made the most of her opportunities to establish an early advantage.

The momentum shifted in the second set as Sabalenka began to find more control. With a 5-4 lead, she had two chances to close it out, but Rybakina answered both times to pull level at 5-5. Sabalenka ultimately converted her next opportunity, winning the set 7-5 and sending the championship match into a deciding set.

Rybakina surges in the decider

Rather than allowing the second-set comeback to alter the match’s direction, Rybakina opened the third set with purpose. She raced to a 5-2 advantage with two breaks of serve, leaving Sabalenka under mounting pressure as the Belarusian’s frustration resurfaced.

Rybakina finished the final in emphatic fashion, producing an ace on match point. After the ball landed, she celebrated a result that transformed an already successful season into one of the defining campaigns in women’s tennis.

Sabalenka threw her racket to the court before meeting Rybakina at the net. Following a brief embrace, she returned to her chair and smashed the same racket again. The emotional response reflected the significance of a loss that ended both her title defense and her 19-match US Open winning streak.

Sabalenka had won the tournament in 2024 and 2025 after finishing runner-up to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final. A third straight title would have made her only the third woman in the Open Era to achieve that feat, alongside Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

A historic reward and a career-changing result

Rybakina earned a $5.5 million prize, the largest payout in Grand Slam history. The title was also her third of the season, matching Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for the most on the tour this year.

For Rybakina, the result carries particular meaning because success in New York had previously been elusive. Her title at Flushing Meadows adds a new chapter to a Grand Slam résumé that now includes major victories in three different seasons.

“I didn’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament,” Rybakina said. “I’ve been dealing with a little injury but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”

She credited Sabalenka for pushing the final to a demanding level and acknowledged the physical toll of the match.

“It’s so difficult to play against you. You push to such limits. I was dying on the court and just tried to get all the possible balls … I can’t find the words, I am sorry.”

Rybakina also spoke warmly about the crowd and her changing relationship with New York, where her earlier trips had not produced deep runs.

“I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful. Nothing close to that. Its just incredible. I am falling in love with New York more and more and it’s more amazing memories for me,” Rybakina added.

Sabalenka, despite the disappointment, offered praise for her opponent and thanked the fans who supported her throughout the fortnight.

“Obviously, I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, incredible result,” Sabalenka said. “Well deserved, enjoy it, have fun tonight, tomorrow, and until the end of the season so I can play well and win some titles.”

The final marked a major changing of the guard at the top of the women’s game. Sabalenka’s exceptional run in New York has ended, while Rybakina leaves Flushing Meadows with the trophy, the world No. 1 ranking and another major title added to her growing collection.