Elena Rybakina overcame a chronic left ankle injury to win the 2026 US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. The victory marked her third major title and propelled her to world No. 1. Rybakina's triumph capped a remarkable season where she also won the Australian Open, becoming just the sixth woman to win both hard-court Slam titles in the same year.

Despite withdrawing from the Cincinnati quarterfinal due to her injury, Rybakina utilized extra preparation time in New York. She defeated three former champions en route to the final. In a emotional victory speech, Rybakina told the capacity crowd, which included Maria Sharapova, Brad Pitt, Elizabeth Banks, and Andrew Garfield, that she never expected to compete given her condition.

Her win leaves her one French Open title from completing the career Grand Slam. Aryna Sabalenka, seeking a three-peat, slammed her racket in frustration after the match-ending ace. Rybakina's dominance this year solidifies her as a premier force in women's tennis.