Overview
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim her first US Open title.
- The result will push Rybakina to the WTA world No. 1 spot and end Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top when the rankings are updated.
- Sabalenka’s loss ended her bid for a third straight US Open and her long New York winning streak, and she showed visible frustration after the match, including smashing a racket.
- Former players and pundits criticized Sabalenka’s post-match conduct, with John Lloyd urging her to adopt more composure and commentators recalling a similar 2025 Roland Garros incident.
- Sabalenka faces a 2,026-point deficit and a short fall schedule — likely the China Open, Wuhan Open and the WTA Finals — if she is to try to reclaim No. 1 before year end.