Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina meet in 2026 US Open final with world number one ranking at stake
Aryna Sabalenka and incoming world number one Elena Rybakina face each other on Saturday in the 2026 US Open women's singles final at Flushing Meadows.
World number one handover in New York
The 2026 US Open women's singles final on Saturday features world number one Aryna Sabalenka against world number two Elena Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Regardless of the outcome on the court, Rybakina will officially overtake Sabalenka to claim the WTA world number one ranking on Monday. The Kazakhstan representative secured the required points to claim the top spot by advancing past the semifinals. A victory in Saturday's final would extend Rybakina's ranking lead to more than 2,000 points over the Belarusian. For Sabalenka, the match presents a direct opportunity to claim the final Grand Slam trophy of the season and assert her dominance on hard courts.
Semifinal performances and paths to the final
Sabalenka reached her fourth consecutive US Open final by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinals, extending her tournament winning streak to 20 matches. Sabalenka produced 29 winners to Pegula's 12 while limiting the American to winning just 5 of 19 points on second serve. Over six tournament rounds, Sabalenka conceded only one set, which came during a 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) quarterfinal victory against Linda Nosková. Pegula had pushed Sabalenka in previous meetings, making the straight-sets semifinal result particularly satisfying for the defending champion.
I am very happy to have been able to play at such a high level, especially against Jessica. In the last matches we played, she always managed to push me to the limit and it was really difficult to beat her. Being able to win in two sets impressed even me. I am really very happy.
- Aryna Sabalenka
- 29
- Jessica Pegula
- 12
Rybakina's run and head-to-head record
Rybakina advanced to her fourth career Grand Slam final and her first at Flushing Meadows after overcoming Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 before 24,000 spectators. The Kazakh player previously eliminated Naomi Osaka in the fourth round and defeated Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals. Saturday's match marks the fourth meeting between Sabalenka and Rybakina in 2026, following a Grand Slam final in Melbourne and tournament clashes in Indian Wells and Miami. Career records between the two players differ across source accounts, which report either a 10-7 or a 12-8 advantage for Sabalenka. Rybakina won their Australian Open final in three sets 224 days earlier, while Sabalenka won the subsequent final at Indian Wells and the semifinal in Miami.
We have faced each other many times. We have also trained together in the past. She is a very aggressive player. It is difficult to face her, both mentally and physically, because she has a powerful game and a dangerous serve. I will have to step onto the court with all the energy I have, bring out my best serve.
- Rybakina defeats Sabalenka in three sets to win the Grand Slam final.
- Sabalenka defeats Rybakina in a final decided in a tie-break.
- Sabalenka defeats Rybakina in the tournament semifinal.
- Sabalenka and Rybakina contest the US Open final in New York.
Stakes for the title defence
Sabalenka enters Saturday's contest targeting her third consecutive US Open singles title following tournament victories in the previous two editions. Rybakina entered the tournament following physical difficulties, having stated weeks before the event that she was struggling to walk. The final is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September, with play starting at 22:00 Central European Time. Broadcasters in Italy will air the match live on SuperTennis in unencrypted television format and on Sky Sport platforms.
