Key Takeaways
- Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to clinch her first-ever US Open women’s singles title.
- The victory also saw Rybakina ascend to the world number one ranking following pre-tournament injury concerns.
- Elena Rybakina highlighted the broader significance of the title, stating, “it’s history for the country, too, so I’m very proud and, yeah, super happy.”
Historic Grand Slam triumph and rise to world number one
Elena Rybakina reflected on an unforgettable milestone after capturing her first-ever US Open title. Visiting the TODAY plaza following her triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final, Rybakina appeared with her newly won hardware after a remarkable fortnight in New York that also elevated her to the top of the women’s game as the new world number one.
Speaking about the experience of lifting the trophy in Flushing Meadows, Rybakina expressed her excitement after battling through a demanding tournament. “I’m super happy, super proud and the atmosphere on the court was amazing,” she stated when discussing the championship atmosphere.
Overcoming injury concerns and celebrating in New York
The achievement arrived following a difficult lead-up to the event, during which physical concerns left her participation in question. When asked about holding the trophy just weeks after dealing with injury doubts, Rybakina acknowledged the whirlwind turn of events with a simple “Yes.”
After securing victory on Saturday, Rybakina took time to mark the occasion alongside her support team in New York City before fulfilling her morning media commitments. “Well, we spent the team, I had a lot of things to nice restaurant, I didn’t sleep much,” Rybakina explained regarding her post-final celebrations. “Yeah, enjoyed the city and, yeah, super happy and thank you for having me today.”
National pride and landmark accomplishments
Rybakina’s run in New York yielded multiple career-defining achievements at once, coupling her maiden US Open crown with the WTA world number one ranking. She emphasized what the breakthrough represents both personally and on the international stage.
“Yes, it’s true. So many achievements during this tournament and, yeah, it’s history for the country, too, so I’m very proud and, yeah, super happy,” Rybakina said. When the show hosts commended her on her presentation with the championship silverware and noted that it looked great on her, she responded warmly with “Thank you.”
Elena Rybakina in 2026
Ranked no.1, Elena played her last match on the 12th of September when she defeated world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 in the final of the U.S. Open to win her 14th career title.
At the moment, during this season Rybakina owns a compiled 49-13 match record. The Kazakhstani conquered 3 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open, Stuttgart and U.S. Open.
