NEW YORK -- Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will meet for the second time this year in a Grand Slam final during the 2026 US Open. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, aims to achieve a three-peat at Flushing Meadows, a feat last accomplished by Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014. Rybakina, on the other hand, is after her second major title this year, having defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final.

Read More

This match marks their 18th encounter on the WTA Tour, with Sabalenka holding a 10-7 edge. The two have previously met in major finals, splitting their past two encounters.

The US Open singles final will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 12. The doubles final will feature top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend against Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery, scheduled for Friday, September 11 at 12 p.m.

Both players have progressed impressively through the tournament:

Sabalenka reached the final by defeating Camila Osorio, Polina Iatcenko, Kamilla Rakhimova, Taylor Townsend, and Linda Noskova, as well as Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. This marks her fourth consecutive appearance in the US Open final.

Rybakina's path to the final included victories over Thea Frodin, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Yuliia Starodubtseva, Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff in the semifinals. This is Rybakina's first US Open final and her fourth major final overall.

Prize money for the singles champion is set at $5.5 million, while the runner-up will receive $2.8 million, part of a total purse of $108 million for the tournament. The singles champion will also earn 2000 ranking points, with the finalist receiving 1300 points. Regardless of the final outcome, Rybakina is expected to ascend to World No. 1 in the PIF WTA Rankings on Monday, with Sabalenka dropping to No. 2.

Notably, Sabalenka has become the fifth player since 1988 to reach at least Grand Slam finals as World No. 1. She has achieved eight consecutive Grand Slam finals, a record in the Open Era.

Rybakina aims to become the first player in 16 years to defeat past women’s singles champions in both the semifinal and final at the US Open.

Both players have shared their thoughts on the matchup, with Sabalenka acknowledging the challenge of Rybakina's powerful game and stating her readiness for a tough match. Rybakina recognized Sabalenka's aggression and the importance of making crucial decisions during tightly contested points.