Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set for another major final showdown at the US Open 2026, with both players arriving in New York having already traded big wins against each other this season. Rybakina will enter Saturday’s final as the new world No. 1, while Sabalenka will be chasing a third consecutive US Open title and a chance to reclaim the top spot later in the season.
Rybakina Refuses To Add Extra Pressure
Rybakina booked her place in the final by fighting back to beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Thursday’s semifinal. The Kazakh was tested early but stayed composed and eventually turned the match around to reach her first US Open final.
The victory also guarantees that Rybakina will take over as world No. 1 on Monday, regardless of what happens in the final.
However, the 27-year-old does not want the ranking battle to become an added burden against Sabalenka.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, because we’re very close in the rankings. Even if something goes wrong in the final, I’ll still have other opportunities and other tournaments until the end of the year,” Rybakina said.
Elena Rybakina on facing Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open final
“She’s an unbelievable player. She was playing really well today I feel like. I definitely need to step my game up and serve much better than today.. Stay aggressive, go for the shots, whenever you get an… pic.twitter.com/duAQCm9LzK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2026
She also sees the rivalry as an opportunity to understand where her game stands.
“We push each other when we play these matches, and you can clearly see on what you need to work more,” she said. “I think that’s great that you play against someone who pushes you to the limit.”
Sabalenka: ‘That’s The Beauty Of Sport’
Sabalenka reached her fourth consecutive US Open final by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2. The defending champion is now one victory away from joining an exclusive group of players to win three straight US Open titles.
But even before the final, Sabalenka has already accepted that she will lose the world No. 1 ranking to Rybakina.
“I really understand how tough it is to reach world No. 1. It was one of my goals. But right now, not much I could do,” Sabalenka said.
Aryna Sabalenka says there wasn’t much she could do about losing the No. 1 ranking to Rybakina, ‘I didn’t perform well in the middle of the season. Elena took it over & played really well… That’s the beauty of sport. Everyone chasing everyone’
“I really understand how tough it… pic.twitter.com/g5J3vib3cy
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2026
“I didn’t really perform well in the middle of the season. Elena took it over and played really well. She took away the number one position. Not much I can do about that.”
Sabalenka said the situation felt strange given that she had performed strongly at the US Open, but she was determined to focus on the final.
“It’s okay. It’s sport. I love that. That’s the beauty of sport. Everyone chasing everyone,” she said. “It’s all about little things you improve and get better at.”
Sabalenka vs Rybakina: Recent Meetings
The rivalry has produced several close battles, and the 2026 season has added another chapter.
Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the WTA 2025 finals and then crushed the Belarusian 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open final to claim the title. Sabalenka responded less than two months later, beating Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in the Indian Wells final.
Sabalenka then won their Miami semifinal 6-4, 6-3, claiming only two victories over Rybakina in their last five meetings.
Overall, Sabalenka leads the rivalry 10-7.
Sabalenka Knows What Rybakina Brings
Sabalenka was asked about facing either Rybakina or Gauff before the semifinal was decided. Once Rybakina earned her place in the final, the Belarusian was clear about the challenge ahead.
“Both are incredible players… if it’s Elena it’s gonna be a really tough match,” Sabalenka said. “It’s gonna be physically and mentally tough.”
