New world No. 1 Elena Rybakina wins maiden US Open title in three-set thriller
By Jacob Lev, CNN
(CNN) — Women’s No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina will have a lot to celebrate come Monday after defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women’s singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday.
Rybakina not only won her first career title at Flushing Meadows, but will also replace Sabalenka atop the women’s tennis rankings.
It only took Rybakina 44 minutes to dispatch Sabalenka 6-4 in the first set.
The Belarusian Sabalenka looked at odds with herself for a good portion of the opening set, making her feelings known about the struggles as she mouthed her displeasure to herself and her coaching box.
And in an even more shocking outcome, Rybakina, the Russian-born Kazakhstani, won the set while only completing only 27% of her first serves in. Despite her struggles, she only lost eight of the 30 points off her serve and never faced a break point.
But like Sabalenka has done many times in her illustrious career, she battled back and looked more in control throughout the second set.
The 28-year-old, while up 5-4, had the chance to put the set away twice but both times, Rybakina drew right back to tie it up at 5-5.
Sabalenka was eventually able to close out the set 7-5 and force a decisive third set.
The 27-year-old Rybakina came out on a mission to start the third set, quickly jumping out to a 5-2 double-break lead, putting Sabalenka on the ropes with the frustration coming back to haunt her.
At match point, Rybakina served up an ace to secure the victory.
The win gives Rybakina her third career grand slam, the first one since her win at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Rybakina earned a reported $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, and tied Sabalenka and French Open winner Mirra Andreeva with a tour-high three titles this season.
Rybakina said it was “tough to finds words” following the victory.
“I didn’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament,” Rybakina said.
“I’ve been dealing with a little injury but somehow everything aligned together on my side.”
She praised Sabalenka, calling her a “great champion.”
“It’s so difficult to play against you. You push to such limits. I was dying on the court and just tried to get all the possible balls … I can’t find the words, I am sorry.”
Rybakina also thanked the spectators for an “amazing atmosphere,” reflecting back on her struggles in New York previously.
“I honestly was coming here for the last 10 years and it was never successful. Nothing close to that. Its just incredible. I am falling in love with New York more and more and it’s more amazing memories for me,” Rybakina added.
An emotional Sabalenka thanked the New York crowd for their support over the past two weeks.
“Obviously, I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, incredible result” Sabalenka told ESPN.
“Well deserved, enjoy it, have fun tonight, tomorrow, and until the end of the season so I can play well and win some titles.”
With Saturday’s loss, Sabalenka’s win streak at the US Open has been snapped at 19 matches.
Sabalenka had previously won this tournament in 2024 and 2025 after losing to Coco Gauff in the 2023 championship match. She could have become the third-ever woman to win three straight in the open era, joining Serena Williams and Chris Evert.
This story has been updated with the latest information.
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