Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 20:38.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
Rybakina and Sabalenka Set for Landmark US Open Final as World Ranking Swap Is Sealed
The top two players in women's tennis meet in the US Open final as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina renew one of the sport's most compelling modern rivalries at Flushing Meadows. Their showdown marks only the second time since the Australian Open shifted to hard courts in 1988 that the same two players have contested both hard-court Grand Slam finals in a single season, replicating the feat accomplished by Steffi Graf and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in 1994. Source: The Guardian.
Sabalenka navigated her way to a fourth consecutive US Open final for the loss of just one set, which came during a high-quality quarter-final super tie-break against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. The Belarusian then produced a dominant semi-final performance to eliminate Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
Rybakina advanced through a more turbulent path, maintaining a flawless set record through the fourth round against Naomi Osaka before fighting back from a set down in consecutive matches against Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff. Her victory over Olympic champion Zheng in the quarter-finals guaranteed that Rybakina will overtake Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA rankings when the tournament concludes.
Historical Significance and Ranking Swap
This final is only the third time in the 21st century that a Grand Slam title match features two players who are guaranteed to swap the No 1 and No 2 ranking positions following the tournament. — according to The Guardian.
The shift at the top of the rankings mirrors previous landmark finals in 2002 at Wimbledon, when Serena Williams defeated Venus Williams, and in 2018 at the Australian Open, when Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep. On both previous occasions, the incoming world No 1 won the final.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Aryna Sabalenka (World No 1 tennis player) as saying: “I will make sure it is the last time”.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Elena Rybakina (Second seed and incoming World No 1) as saying: “No. No, no, no. We’ll see next time.”.
Hewett Claims Fifth US Open Wheelchair Crown
In the wheelchair singles event at Flushing Meadows, Great Britain's Alfie Hewett secured his fifth US Open title. Hewett defeated Japanese top seed Tokito Oda in the final, bringing his career total to 11 Grand Slam singles crowns. Source: BBC News.
- Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka recreate historic hard-court Grand Slam final rivalry last achieved in 1994.
- Rybakina secures the world No 1 ranking regardless of the final outcome.
- Alfie Hewett adds an 11th Grand Slam singles title with victory in the wheelchair division.
