US Open Final Showdown: Aryna Sabalenka Chases History Against Elena Rybakina

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faces soon-to-be World No. 1 Elena Rybakina in Saturday's US Open women's singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, United States.

The top two seeds at the US Open 2026 clash on Saturday, offering top seed Sabalenka the opportunity to complete a rare "three-peat" of US Open titles – a feat achieved by only two other women. Meanwhile, second seed Rybakina will try to deal Sabalenka another blow, having already ensured the Belarusian’s 99-week reign at the top when the rankings are updated on Monday.

Path to the Final

Sabalenka eliminated top-ranked American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the first semifinal on Thursday, continuing her bid to join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only women to win three straight US Open titles. In the second semifinal, Rybakina silenced the partisan crowd, rallying from a set down to beat 2023 champion Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Head-to-Head and Form

They have met three times this year, with Sabalenka winning their semifinal clash in Miami and the final at Indian Wells in southern California. Rybakina won just once; however, it was the biggest of the three, lifting the Australian Open title in Melbourne.

Saturday’s final will be their 18th career meeting, with Sabalenka leading the head-to-head 10-7. It will also mark the third time they will clash in a Grand Slam final after Rybakina won the 2026 Australian Open and Sabalenka triumphed at the same major in 2023.

Pre-Match Perspectives

Rybakina stated she will not put extra pressure on herself before her maiden US Open final, viewing the showdown as another chance to test herself against a rival who pushes her to the limit. On the other side, Sabalenka declared she is ready for "whatever it takes" to win, emphasizing that she was "super desperate" to reach her fourth straight final.

Tournament Details

The winner of the US Open women’s singles final will take home $5.5m, while the runner-up will be awarded $2.8 million, part of the collective $108m the tournament offered at this year’s edition.