After beating Naomi Osaka within the 2026 U.S. Open quarterfinals, Elena Rybakina rose to No. 1 within the WTA reside rankings. Rybakina put an finish to any doubts about who the perfect participant is on the WTA Tour with a 7-6, 6-2 win over Aryna Sabalenka within the 2026 U.S. Open Girls’s Championship match on Saturday.
Rybakina earned her second Grand Slam title in 2026 and her third total with the 2026 US Open title. Rybakina additionally defeated Sabalenka within 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 elevated her lead within the WTA reside rankings to 2026 factors over Sabalenka together with her title on Saturday. Sabalenka has misplaced 4 of her final 5 Grand Slam last appearances. All 4 defeats got here within the final two seasons, starting with a loss to Madison Keys within the 2025 Australian Open.
Rybakina improved to 3 wins and one loss in Grand Slam finals. Rybakina gained her first Grand Slam title with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over Ons Jabeur within the 2022 Wimbledon fortnight. Sabalenka beat Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 within the 2023 Australian Open.
