US Open 2026 results: Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to win New York title

Rybakina stayed calm in an opening set where her first serve let her down and, despite her biggest weapon not firing on all cylinders, was able to execute a devastating returning game which left Sabalenka frustrated.

Sabalenka’s groundstrokes improved as Rybakina’s level dropped slightly in a tighter second set, taking her third opportunity to force a decider when she swarmed over Rybakina’s second serve in the 12th game.

But the loose shots from Sabalenka reappeared in the third set – as did the negativity.

Rybakina’s deep returning pinned Sabalenka to the baseline as she broke for a 2-1 lead, which allowed the incoming world number one to grow in stature.

There was a sign of nerves when Rybakina produced a double fault on her first championship point, but she reset admirably to hammer down an ace and underline her status as the best player in the world.