Rybakina Claims US Open and World No. 1 Status
Elena Rybakina has clinched her maiden US Open title and world No. 1 status by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, ending the two-time champion's streak of 19 consecutive wins at the event. While Ben Shelton prepares for a historic men's final against Alexander Zverev, Rybakina celebrates her $5.5 million prize and emotional victory over a visibly frustrated Sabalenka.
According to Yahoo Sports, Rybakina secured the title with a dramatic ace after double-faulting on championship point, while Sabalenka reacted to the loss by smashing her racket and later admitted she hoped to perform better next year. The report also highlights that Rybakina had already guaranteed the No. 1 ranking regardless of the match outcome, adding context to her emotional victory speech about finally falling in love with New York after a decade of struggles.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports reports that Rybakina collected $5.5 million in prize money for her third Grand Slam title, while also highlighting that Ben Shelton becomes the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972 ahead of his men's final against Alexander Zverev.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports details the dramatic finish, noting that Rybakina sealed the 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory with a service ace after a double fault on the first championship point. The report also highlights that this marks the second time this year Rybakina has defeated Sabalenka for a major title, following her Australian Open win.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports reports that Rybakina overcame a foot injury to secure the 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory, marking her first time advancing past the fourth round in New York. The outlet also highlights Sabalenka’s emotional collapse and racquet bashing, noting that the failure to complete a three-peat leaves her without a major title for the season.
Source: Yahoo SportsAccording to Yahoo Sports, Aryna Sabalenka delivered a tearful runner-up speech where she acknowledged her disappointment but praised Rybakina's 'incredible year.' The report also confirms that Sabalenka finishes 2026 without a Grand Slam title, marking the first season since 2022 she has failed to win a major.
Source: Yahoo SportsGN sports/tennis (en-US) reveals that Rybakina became the first player since Steffi Graf in 1995 to defeat a reigning world No. 1 in two Grand Slam finals within a single calendar year. The report also highlights that she is the first Kazakhstani to reach the top ranking, having taken the title from Sabalenka who had held it for 99 consecutive weeks.
Source: tennismajors.comGN sports/tennis (en-US) reports that Rybakina secured the 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory despite a shocking 27% first-serve success rate in the opening set, using her dominant return game to overpower Sabalenka. The report highlights that this win completes her trio of major hard-court titles, including the Australian Open and WTA Finals, positioning her just one Grand Slam away from a Career Slam.
Source: The GuardianYahoo Sports reports that Rybakina has pocketed a record $5.5 million prize, pushing her career earnings to $35.32 million and placing her just $1.1 million away from entering the all-time top ten. The victory also ended Sabalenka's 99-week reign as world No. 1, a title Rybakina officially assumes on Monday.
Source: Yahoo SportsAccording to GN sports/tennis (en-US), the 27-year-old is now one Roland Garros title away from achieving a Career Slam, having joined Angelique Kerber and Sabalenka as the third player since 2000 to win both the Australian and US Opens in a single season. The report also highlights that Rybakina has won her last three head-to-head meetings against Sabalenka, all of which took place in championship finals.
Source: wtatennis.comYahoo Sports notes that Sabalenka’s bid to become the first player since Serena Williams to secure three consecutive US Open titles was derailed by 14 unforced errors in the opening set alone. The article also highlights that Rybakina now holds an 8-7 lead in their all-time hard-court head-to-head record following this victory.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports highlights that Rybakina’s victory was defined by her ability to neutralize Sabalenka’s second-serve aggression, securing 68% of points on those returns despite landing only 27% of her own first serves in the opening set. The report notes that Rybakina’s strategy of keeping the ball down the middle effectively denied the Belarusian player the angles needed to capitalize on her rival's serve struggles.
Source: Yahoo SportsBBC Tennis reports that Rybakina secured the title with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 scoreline, notably saving a double fault on her first championship point before sealing the match with an ace. The outlet highlights that her ice-cool demeanor contrasted sharply with Sabalenka's visible frustration, allowing the Kazakh to dominate the return games and force errors from the two-time defending champion.
Source: BBC TennisYahoo Sports highlights Rybakina's ice-cool composure as the decisive factor in her 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory, noting that her composed demeanor contrasted sharply with Sabalenka's visible frustration and loose play. The report details how Rybakina recovered from an initial double fault on championship point to seal the title with a final ace, cementing her status as the world's top player.
Source: Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports details the dramatic finish, noting Rybakina sealed the title with a second-match-point ace after saving two set points in the second game. The report also highlights that this victory snaps Sabalenka's 19-match winning streak in New York and adds to Rybakina's 10 career wins against the world No. 1.
Source: Yahoo SportsThe Athletic’s post-match analysis highlights how Rybakina’s resilient second serve, hitting a 68% win rate despite only 27% first-serve accuracy, neutralized Sabalenka’s aggressive return game to secure the title.
Source: The New York TimesElena Rybakina lifts the trophy in New York, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s nineteen-match winning streak at the tournament to claim her third Grand Slam title.
Source: tennismajors.com
