RismadarVoice Reporters
September 12, 2026
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will clash in the US Open women’s singles final on Saturday in a battle between two of the most powerful players in women’s tennis.
Sabalenka, the defending champion, is seeking a third consecutive US Open title, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2014. Rybakina, meanwhile, will enter the final as the incoming world No. 1, taking the ranking from Sabalenka on Monday.
The final will be the third Grand Slam championship meeting between the pair. Sabalenka defeated Rybakina in the 2023 Australian Open final, while the Kazakhstan representative claimed revenge in this year’s Australian Open final.
Sabalenka holds a 10-7 career advantage over Rybakina but expects another physically demanding contest against the big-serving Kazakh.
The Belarusian reached the final after beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semi-final, having dropped only one set throughout the tournament.
Rybakina overcame American Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to secure her place in the final. Her route has been more challenging, particularly after an ankle problem threatened her participation before the tournament began.
The contrasting personalities of the two players are expected to add another dimension to the contest. Sabalenka is known for her emotional intensity and ability to draw energy from the crowd, while Rybakina is renowned for her calm and composed approach.
Rybakina is bidding for her third Grand Slam title, following her Wimbledon triumph in 2022 and Australian Open victory earlier this year.
Sabalenka, who already has four major titles, is seeking to join Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis on five Grand Slam championships.
The final will also carry a wider geopolitical backdrop because of Sabalenka’s Belarusian nationality and Rybakina’s Russian birthplace, although Rybakina represents Kazakhstan.
The women’s singles final is scheduled for Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
