Elena Rybakina secured her first US Open title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the women's final on September 12, 2026, in New York. The victory made Rybakina the new world No. 1, ending Sabalenka's 99-week reign at the top of the WTA rankings. It was Rybakina's third Grand Slam title and second of the season, following her Australian Open win over Sabalenka earlier in 2026.

She earned $5.5 million, the largest prize in Grand Slam history, while Sabalenka received $2.8 million. Rybakina stopped Sabalenka's 19-match winning streak at the US Open, where the Belarusian had not lost since the 2023 final. Despite recording less than half her first serves in, Rybakina prevailed with a strong return game, creating 12 break chances and converting three.

Sabalenka smashed her racket after the match, expressing disappointment at failing to win a third consecutive US Open title, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014. At 27, Rybakina, born in Russia but representing Kazakhstan, now holds titles at Wimbledon (2022), the Australian Open (2026), and the US Open (2026), needing only the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.