Rybakina stuns Sabalenka to win US Open title

Elena Rybakina secured her second major title of the 2026 season by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final. The 27-year-old Kazakh, who had been unsure of her fitness due to an ankle injury, staged a remarkable comeback to claim her second grand slam victory in New York. Rybakina had been plagued by doubts at Flushing Meadows, having never progressed beyond the fourth round in the tournament before 2026.

However, her powerful serve and groundstrokes proved decisive as she advanced to the final, overcoming Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff in straight sets. In the match, Rybakina combined her attacking play with solid defensive skills, putting pressure on the four-time major champion. The world number one struggled with injuries and pressure, ultimately succumbing to a double fault on a crucial break point in the first set.

Sabalenka, who had been seeking her first US Open title after three consecutive finals, expressed her disappointment but vowed to improve in the future. Rybakina's triumph marks a significant breakthrough in her career, leaving her just one French Open title away from achieving a career Grand Slam.