From struggling to walk to lifting trophy - how Rybakina triumphed
Elena Rybakina arrived in New York unable to walk without pain after injuring her foot. She leaves the city as the US Open champion and new world number one.
Elena Rybakina, a Kazakhstan-born tennis player, won the 2026 US Open singles title, marking her as the new world number one. The 27-year-old took on the two-time defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final. Rybakina had been struggling with a foot injury before the tournament, but played through the pain to lift the trophy.
She won the first set despite her serve failing and managed to win 22 of 30 points behind her serve without facing a break point. Sabalenka eventually broke Rybakina in the 12th game of the second set but Rybakina had already secured the match. Her victory added to her impressive record of winning three Grand Slam titles, including two against Sabalenka.
Former British number one Annabel Croft praised Rybakina's composure and ability to remain focused under pressure.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
