Elena Rybakina is crowned at the US Open and assumes the throne of world tennis
Kazakh tennis player Elena Rybakina has written a golden page in her professional career by winning the US Open. In a vibrant final held in New York, Rybakina defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka with sets of 6-4, 5-7, and 6-2, after two hours and 21 minutes of intense action on the center court.
This triumph not only represents her third Grand Slam trophy, adding to her previous victories at Wimbledon 2022 and the 2026 Australian Open, but it also marks a generational shift at the top of the WTA rankings. With this result, Rybakina officially displaces Sabalenka, who held the lead after 99 consecutive weeks at the top.
Domain and responsiveness
The match was a battle of equals. Rybakina took the initiative from the start, showing remarkable solidity with her serve. Despite Sabalenka’s resistance, the Kazakh managed to capitalize on a key break in the fifth game of the first set to secure the opening frame.
The new world number one demonstrated superior mental capacity, regaining absolute control of the match after conceding the second set, which allowed her to close out the championship with the authority of a seasoned champion.
Although Sabalenka managed to force a third set after saving critical points and breaking her opponent’s serve in the second set, Rybakina returned from the locker room with a renewed strategy. Two decisive breaks in the final set gave her the necessary advantage to seal the match with an ace, sparking the celebration for her first title on U.S. soil.
Keys to victory and statistics
- Rybakina finished the match with 36 winners compared to her opponent’s 32.
- Efficiency was key: the Kazakh player generated 12 break point opportunities throughout the match.
- With this success, the player adds her 14th title on the professional circuit.
- 2026 is solidifying itself as Rybakina’s year, accumulating three major trophies in a single season.
For her part, Sabalenka’s season, although productive with titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami, is marred by her failure to defend her Grand Slam crowns. For Rybakina, the journey continues with the goal of completing her collection of major tournaments, with Roland Garros being the only one missing from her brilliant record.
