🎾🏆 Elena Rybakina Dethrones Aryna Sabalenka to Win Her First US Open Title
📅 Date: September 12, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📌 Topic: US Open | Women’s Final | Elena Rybakina | Aryna Sabalenka
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina captured her first US Open women’s singles championship, defeating defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a dramatic final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The victory gave Rybakina her third Grand Slam title, following her Wimbledon triumph in 2022 and Australian Open championship earlier in 2026. She also became the first woman since 2008 to win both hard-court Grand Slam singles titles in the same year.
Rybakina’s composure made the difference
The final featured two of the most powerful players in women’s tennis. Rybakina repeatedly used her serve and aggressive baseline game to put Sabalenka under pressure.
She finished with 12 aces and 36 winners, while keeping her unforced errors under control. Her performance helped her overcome Sabalenka’s powerful comeback in the second set.
Sabalenka’s historic run ends
Sabalenka entered the final seeking a third consecutive US Open title. Her defeat ended a remarkable winning streak at Flushing Meadows and prevented her from adding another major trophy to her collection.
The loss also ended Sabalenka’s long run as the world’s No. 1 player. Rybakina is set to rise to No. 1 in the world rankings following her championship victory.
A record payday
Rybakina’s victory also came with a $5.5 million prize, part of the US Open’s record-setting $108 million total player compensation pool for 2026.
The championship marks a major turning point in women’s tennis, with Rybakina now firmly established among the sport’s elite after beating Sabalenka in another major final.
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📷 Photo note: The images above are related editorial photos from the 2026 US Open and are not confirmed to be CNN’s exact article photos. Verify photographer/agency credit and licensing before publication. The Getty Images result specifically identifies a 2026 US Open Day 14 image of Sabalenka.
📅 Date: September 12, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📌 Topic: US Open | Women’s Final | Elena Rybakina | Aryna Sabalenka
