US Open women’s final 2026

Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of winning the US Open for a third consecutive time have been dashed after falling to a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 defeat against Elena Rybakina.

The world’s two best female tennis stars went face to face in a stellar battle at Flushing Meadows, where Rybakina claimed victory.

All eyes were on Sabalenka after a powerful ace down the middle by her opponent to win championship point and secure a pay cheque of $AU7.6 million.

Sabalenka had given Rybakina a clear indication after dropping the second set that she was frustrated by her own performance, making a handful of unforced errors and struggling to find fast replies to halt her opponent’s momentum.

While she did manage to claw back and win the second set to keep her title hopes alive, Rybakina dominated the final set and secured a remarkable victory.

As Rybakina turned to her team to celebrate her victory before making her way towards the net, Sabalenka threw her racquet across the court.

It was enough to break her racquet. After picking it up, Sabalenka embraced Rybakina.

“That is what Aryna Sabalenka thought about that performance. Broken, smashed,” Australian great Todd Woodbridge said on Nine.

“That is something that she clearly still hasn’t got control of, the emotions in the big matches. It is never easy losing, there is no doubt about that.

“But she let her opponent know in the second set that she was feeling the heat. Great champions don’t really carry themselves like that.”

Sabalenka attempted to hold back tears as she delivered her runners-up speech.

“Thank you everyone for your support. It was amazing playing in a tournament with you all,” she began.

“I am disappointed but I want to congratulate Elena on a great year. I wish I could’ve performed a little bit better, but I guess there’s next year.”

The victory marks the third grand slam title that Rybakina has collected in her career, having previously won the Australian Open earlier this year.

She won her first title at Wimbledon in 2022. The only major that she has yet to conquer is the French Open.

“It’s tough to find words right now, I didn’t expect nothing like this coming to this tournament,” she said after winning the trophy.

“I was dealing with (an Achilles) injury, but everything aligned together on my side. Aryna you’re a great champion, you push me to such limits.

“It’s just incredible, I’m falling in love with New York more and more. This atmosphere is just unbelievable and doesn’t feel real right now.”

The final match of the US Open will take place on Monday morning AEST when Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev battle it out in the men’s singles final.

Click here to read article