Rybakina reaches US Open final against Sabalenka

In the 2026 US Open, Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling comeback to reach the final, where she faced Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament's top seed. Rybakina's victory ensured she would become the new world number one following the rankings update on Monday, ending Sabalenka's 99-week reign at the top. Rybakina, seeded second, aimed to deny Sabalenka a third consecutive US Open title in Saturday's showdown. Sabalenka had showcased her power by defeating American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2, securing her place in the final for the eighth time in her career. This performance came despite concerns over her title defense after a tough lead-up to the tournament, including a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros and a fourth-round loss at Wimbledon.

Sabalenka expressed her determination after overcoming Pegula, saying, "I was super desperate. It feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like a last push of the season." She struggled initially in the first set against Pegula, but eventually found her rhythm, dominating the second set with 29 winners compared to Pegula's 12.

For Rybakina, this final marks her opportunity to win a third Grand Slam title, having previously claimed victory at Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in January against Sabalenka. With this match, the tournament will see its top two women's seeds compete in the final for the first time since Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

Despite Rybakina's solid performance, she acknowledged the need to improve for the final, stating, "I definitely need to step my game up, serve better than today, stay aggressive, and really go for my shots." The head-to-head between Rybakina and Sabalenka leans in favor of Sabalenka, who has won 10 of their 17 matches. However, Rybakina emerged victorious in their last encounter in the Australian Open final, despite Sabalenka leading 3-0 in the deciding set.

The highly anticipated final promises excitement as Sabalenka aims to continue her dominance on hard courts, having reached every major final on this surface since the 2023 Australian Open, and Rybakina looks to solidify her position as number one.