Elena Rybakina is a US Open champion for the very first time following her stunning run in New York.
Rybakina overcame Aryna Sabalenka to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows, where she enjoyed an unforgettable two weeks.
And given what happened in the build-up to the Grand Slam, Rybakina has undoubtedly just beaten all the odds to win the US Open title.
Who will be ranked higher by the end of 2026 – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
Elena Rybakina beats the odds to win the US Open
Rybakina entered the US Open on the back of the Cincinnati Open, but she suffered a foot injury at the event.
Very worryingly, the issue forced her to retire in her quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek, and led to a major setback in her preparations for New York.
She has since admitted to not touching a racket for seven days leading into the US Open, leaving her well behind her WTA counterparts.
But it mattered not, with Rybakina not only lifting the trophy, but also overtaking Sabalenka as the new world number one.
That, of course, was no mean feat, with the Belarusian having been handed extra motivation after losing her longstanding spot at the summit of women’s tennis.
Rightfully so, Rybakina has drawn huge praise from Marion Bartoli for her victory over Sabalenka, which has incidentally improved her head-to-head record with her rival to 8-10.
But she has also caught the attention of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as confirmed in a statement from his press office on X.
He said: “This outstanding success is a clear testament to why you rightfully became the world No. 1. You have once again demonstrated true professionalism, determination and impeccable sportsmanship.
“The people of Kazakhstan are proud of your achievements. May this impressive victory inspire you to reach new heights in your sporting career and serve as an example to young tennis players across Kazakhstan.”
Elena Rybakina’s stunning run to US Open success
Sabalenka did indeed have other motivation for the title, having been chasing a third successive US Open trophy.
But Rybakina did not let that possible outcome or the occasion at Arthur Ashe Stadium get to her as she produced a professional 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory.
However, it wasn’t just the back-to-back defending champion that she beat in New York during her seven-win run.
The Kazakhstani ace also knocked out four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka and former US Open champion Coco Gauff.
Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng was also overcome, following early victories over Thea Frodin, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Yuliia Starodubtseva.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| First round | Thea Frodin | 6-3, 6-2 |
| Second round | Jessica Bouzas Maneiro | 6-2, 6-4 |
| Third round | Yuliia Starodubtseva | 7-6(8-6), 6-3 |
| Round of 16 | Naomi Osaka | 6-1, 6-4 |
| Quarterfinal | Qinwen Zheng | 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 |
| Semifinal | Coco Gauff (4) | 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| Final | Aryna Sabalenka (1) | 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 |
Notably, there were two comeback victories in the latter stages, highlighting fantastic persistence and mental strength to grind out wins.
It’s now three WTA titles in 2026 for Rybakina, and 14 for her fantastic career so far, which is far from over.
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