Aryna Sabalenka has refused to surrender her US Open crown without a fight. Elena Rybakina struck first at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking the opening set 6-4 with powerful and precise tennis. But the defending champion responded in style, producing a spirited 7-5 comeback in the second set to drag the blockbuster final into a decider. With momentum now swinging wildly between the two heavyweights, Sabalenka and Rybakina are locked in a thrilling battle for the US Open 2026 title.
Rybakina Won First Set 6-4 Against Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina landed a major blow in the opening set of the US Open 2026 final, edging defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 in a gripping contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Kazakh immediately matched Sabalenka’s trademark power and then turned the pressure up with aggressive returns.
Rybakina secured the decisive break in the fifth game, moving 3-2 ahead after forcing Sabalenka into difficult exchanges. Sabalenka fought back to level at 4-4, but Rybakina stayed composed and regained momentum.
The Kazakh’s serving numbers were striking. Despite landing only 28% of first serves, she won 88% of points behind those deliveries. Sabalenka, meanwhile, committed 15 unforced errors, handing Rybakina valuable opportunities.
Rybakina eventually served out the set, producing a backhand winner on set point before Sabalenka sent a forehand long.
Sabalenka vs Rybakina Live Updates: Defending Champion Fights Back
Aryna Sabalenka dragged the US Open 2026 final level, edging Elena Rybakina 7-5 in the second set after a gripping battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium. After surrendering the opening set 6-4, the defending champion showed greater resilience and kept the pressure on Rybakina’s serve.
ARYNA SABALENKA SNATCHES THE SECOND SET 7-5! pic.twitter.com/OfxW83mScj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
The set stayed on serve through the opening stages, with Rybakina continuing to strike the ball cleanly. Sabalenka survived a huge scare at 2-1, saving two break points, and that hold proved pivotal. She then found her rhythm, holding to love at 4-4 and again at 5-4.
Serving at 5-5, Rybakina faced her first break points of the match. Sabalenka earned two set points, but Rybakina saved both with aggressive play and escaped to level at 6-5. Sabalenka then held to force the deciding game.
With Rybakina serving at 5-6, Sabalenka finally broke, sealing the set 7-5 and forcing a third set.
