Elena Rybakina Downs Aryna Sabalenka to Win Her First US Open
US Open
September 13, 2026
Elena Rybakina beamed in quiet delight as she realised her graceful power had astonished the watching world once more.
Brad Pitt and Rami Malek applauded the star of this superb sporting show – and were happy to take no more than brief supporting roles on an unforgettable evening.
Not so Aryna Sabalenka. She struggles with the idea that someone is better than her. She sat down and broke her racquet in disgust rather than accept defeat with dignity.
It was an understandable reaction. Flushing Meadows had previously belonged to her. Aryna hadn’t lost here since 2023. She clearly didn’t expect to do so in 2026.
Elena accepted the US Open trophy from Maria Sharapova with typical humility. Then she spoke to 24,000 admiring fans on Arhur Ashe.
She said: ‘I want to say thank you to all the spectators for an amazing atmosphere. I’m falling in love with New York more and more. Some magic is happening.’
Elena Rybakina charmed London in similar style four years ago. She will want to conjure more magic and taste that winning feeling again at Wimbledon 2027.
There’s no reason why Elena can’t do just that. This year she has beaten Sabalenka to take the Australian and US Open titles with a flowing, seemingly effortless barrage of brilliance.
She has ended Aryna’s world number one status by virtue of this New York wonder-show. Sabalenka will badly want it back next summer.
There isn’t much between these two giants of the game. Indeed there were times early in the second and early third sets when you suspected Sabalenka had found the answers.
Back came the nerveless Rybakina once more, her willowy frame generating a searing power to take the final 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
Elena Rybakina and her breath-taking rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka could create more fireworks at Wimbledon 2027.
For now we have a popular winner. The understated Kazakh only requires French Open glory to complete her Career Slam.
Devastating serves and fizzing ground strokes carried the day. Rybakina’s accuracy under intense fire was stunning. She absorbed Aryna’s lethal intent and calmly returned it with interest.
The new US Open champion hit 36 winners to Sabalenka’s 32 – and only made 24 unforced errors to the Belarusian’s 35. Many of Elena’s twelve aces came in big moments.
But numbers don’t do justice to the spectacle of these two giants of our sport going toe to toe. You can see for yourself in London next summer.
You’ll also be able to admire Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, who just came from a set and a break down against Martin de la Puente and Ruben Spaargaran to win the US Open wheelchair doubles title 2-6, 6-3, 10-7.
Wimbledon 2027 is going to be the must-see major in 2027. There’s nothing like the historic home of tennis for a fusion of history and glamour.
Check out the prestigious Wimbledon Debenture Holders show court prices right here for every day of the Championships.
They’ll give you exclusive access to the best restaurants and bars at Wimbledon 2027.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you.