Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a historic third consecutive US Open title ended in heartbreak on 13 September 2026 in New York, as Elena Rybakina claimed the championship with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory — and the fallout was immediate. Seconds after Rybakina secured the final point, television cameras captured Sabalenka on the bench, violently smashing her racquet on the court before tossing it aside.

The Post-Match Flashpoint

As Rybakina acknowledged the crowd at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the broadcast cut to Sabalenka, whose frustration boiled over visibly. Beyond the racquet incident, Sabalenka reportedly yelled at a cameraperson who was attempting to film her emotional reaction in the immediate aftermath of the defeat. The moment drew widespread attention online and is likely to invite scrutiny from WTA officials.

What Sabalenka Said in Her Post-Match Presser

'I'm obviously not really happy with the level I played today, but she served incredible,' Sabalenka told reporters. 'She played really aggressive, great tennis. Yeah, she was simply a better player today than me.' When asked whether dropping to world No. 2 might free her from the pressure of being the top target, she was measured: 'I think any way when you go out there, you have target on your back. Doesn't matter if you are No. 1, No. 2, 3, 4, whatever it is. I'll just keep working hard and keep improving my tennis, my level. Hopefully I will win some more tournaments.'

In a moment of characteristic humour, Sabalenka also challenged Rybakina to surpass her own 99 consecutive weeks at world No. 1. 'Well, that's amazing. Let's see if Elena can beat me in that,' she said with a laugh. 'If she continues to play like that, then yeah, I'm in trouble.'

Rybakina Ascends to World No. 1

Rybakina's victory does more than deny Sabalenka a coveted three-peat — it ends Sabalenka's second stint as the world's top-ranked player, a reign that stretched 99 consecutive weeks. Rybakina is set to debut at world No. 1 on Monday, 15 September. Her arrival at the top completes a remarkable arc: Sabalenka's first stint at No. 1 lasted only eight weeks in 2023, making this second, longer reign all the more significant.

A Grand Slam Season Without a Title

The defeat also marks the first Grand Slam season since 2022 in which Sabalenka has failed to win a major title. Since claiming her first Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open — where, in a notable coincidence, she defeated Rybakina in the final — Sabalenka had won at least one major every calendar year. The 2026 US Open loss brings that streak to a halt. Notably, this rivalry between the two players has now produced consequential results at multiple Grand Slam stages, with Rybakina repeatedly emerging at the most pivotal moments.

What Comes Next

With the WTA Finals and the Asian swing ahead, Sabalenka will have opportunities to reassert herself on the rankings. However, with Rybakina now holding the world No. 1 ranking and fresh Grand Slam momentum, the balance of power at the top of women's tennis appears to have shifted — at least for now.