Would outlasting Sabalenka again, on a Saturday in New York City, to thwart Sabalenka’s well-publicized attempt at a U.S. Open three-peat, compel Rybakina to at least fall to the ground, as per tennis tradition? We’re not asking for a hardcourt snow angel over here. But Rybakina’s 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Sabalenka in Saturday’s U.S. Open final didn’t just make her a first-time U.S. Open champion. By winning two majors this year, Rybakina became one of the standout global athletes, across sports, in 2026.
On Monday, she’ll take the world’s No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka.
How about a mere leap, Elena?
Not here, not now. Rybakina, 27, just goes…
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