Elena Rybakina cements status as best player on WTA Tour with U.S. Open win

After beating Naomi Osaka in the 2026 U.S. Open quarterfinals, Elena Rybakina rose to No. 1 in the WTA live rankings. Rybakina put an end to any doubts about who the best player is on the WTA Tour with a 7-6, 6-2 win over Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 U.S. Open Women's Championship match on Saturday.

Rybakina earned her second Grand Slam title in 2026 and her third overall with the 2026 US Open title. Rybakina also defeated Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open championship match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Sabalenka was competing for her third consecutive U.S. Open title. 

Rybakina amazingly increased her lead in the WTA live rankings to 2026 points over Sabalenka with her title on Saturday. Sabalenka has lost four of her last five Grand Slam final appearances. All four defeats came in the last two seasons, beginning with a loss to Madison Keys in the 2025 Australian Open.

Rybakina improved to three wins and one loss in Grand Slam finals. Rybakina won her first Grand Slam title with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over Ons Jabeur in the 2022 Wimbledon fortnight. Sabalenka beat Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the 2023 Australian Open.