Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win her first US Open title in 2026. The victory marked her second major championship of an outstanding season. Rybakina, 27, overcame a serious ankle injury sustained at the Cincinnati Open to compete.

She credited day-by-day recovery for allowing her to play through the tournament. Despite early doubts about her fitness, Rybakina dominated with a penetrating serve and thunderous groundstrokes. She saved match points against Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff before the final.

In the championship match, she bullied Sabalenka from the baseline. The win leaves Sabalenka a French Open title away from a career Grand Slam. Rybakina expressed surprise and happiness at finally falling in love with New York after a decade of attempts.