Elena Rybakina Claims First U.S. Open Title, Dethrones Aryna Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina wins first U.S. Open title, ending Aryna Sabalenka's dominance and earning record prize money.

September 13, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Elena Rybakina secured her maiden U.S. Open title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought match on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

Rybakina’s victory not only solidified her position as the new world No. 1 but also ended Sabalenka’s two-year reign at the tournament. The win came after Rybakina had already clinched the top ranking for the next week, making the U.S. Open title a symbolic and strategic achievement.

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This triumph marks Rybakina’s third Grand Slam title and her second of the year, both against Sabalenka on hard courts. She previously defeated Sabalenka to claim the Australian Open earlier this season. Rybakina also earned a record $5.5 million in prize money, the highest ever awarded at a Grand Slam event.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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