Elena Rybakina has stunned Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open, completing a remarkable turnaround after entering the tournament with major doubts over her fitness.
The 27-year-old Kazakh produced a powerful performance to defeat the defending champion and claim her second Grand Slam title of an outstanding 2026 season.
Rybakina’s triumph is particularly impressive given the circumstances surrounding her arrival in New York. She suffered an ankle injury during her quarter-final match at the Cincinnati Open and was reportedly unable to walk for several days.
Despite concerns that the injury could prevent her from competing at the US Open, Rybakina recovered in time to take her place in the draw and subsequently produced one of the tournament’s most remarkable title runs.
The victory also ends years of disappointment for Rybakina at Flushing Meadows and further underlines her status as one of the leading players in women’s tennis.
Her latest Grand Slam success caps a memorable 2026 campaign and marks a stunning comeback from injury doubts to US Open champion.
