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Elena Rybakina is the 2026 US Open champion. The star player from Kazakhstan captured her first US Open title, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a hard-fought final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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The victory marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title overall following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph and the 2026 Australian Open. It elevates her to the top of the WTA rankings, replacing Sabalenka as world number one. In addition to snatching the No. 1 ranking from the Belarusian star, Rybakina also broke her three-peat dream.
No. 1 Rybakina wins 2026 US Open, breaks No. 2 Sabalenka's three-peat dream
Rybakina, who had never previously progressed beyond the fourth round in New York, produced a composed performance under pressure. After dropping the second set, she broke early in the third and closed out the match with powerful serving, including an ace on championship point.
Meanwhile, in a ceremonial highlight, 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova presented Rybakina with the Tiffany & Co. trophy. The pair shared a warm embrace on court before Rybakina lifted the silver cup aloft amid fireworks and cheers from the crowd.
Sabalenka, gracious in defeat despite the disappointment of missing a third consecutive US Open crown, congratulated her rival at the net. The result ends her 19-match winning streak at the tournament as Rybakina won her first major in New York.
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