• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Sabalenka lost the US Open final to Elena Rybakina in three sets.
  2. The defeat ended her hopes of winning a third consecutive US Open title.
  3. The Belarusian smashed her racquet in frustration after the heartbreaking loss.

Aryna Sabalenka's frustration boiled over in dramatic fashion after her defeat to Elena Rybakina in the 2026 US Open final, with the Belarusian star smashing her racquet following a heartbreaking loss at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Rybakina defeated the defending champion 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to claim her first US Open title and complete her second Grand Slam triumph of the 2026 season.

The victory also saw the Kazakhstani take over the world No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka, ending the latter's 99-week reign at the top.

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WATCH: Sabalenka Smashes Racquet After Final Defeat

The defeat was particularly painful for Sabalenka, who had been chasing a historic third consecutive US Open title. After Rybakina sealed the championship, the Belarusian could not hide her disappointment.

Sabalenka was seen venting her frustration by smashing her racquet, while she also hit a ball into the stands and reacted angrily towards a courtside camera.

Her emotional reaction showed just how much the defeat meant to the four-time Grand Slam champion. She was also devastated to lose her no 1 position to her arch-rival.

Rybakina Denies Sabalenka Historic Three-Peat

Sabalenka had entered the final as the two-time defending champion and was aiming to become the first woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles titles since Serena Williams and Chris Evert achieved the feat.

However, Rybakina remained composed during the crucial stages of the contest. After losing the second set, she responded emphatically in the decider, breaking away from Sabalenka to win 6-2 and secure the biggest title of her career.

The loss also extended Sabalenka's wait for a Grand Slam title in 2026 after she finished runner-up to Rybakina at the Australian Open earlier this year.

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Sabalenka Admits The Pressure Got To Her

The Belarusian later acknowledged that the pressure of attempting to complete the three-peat had made it difficult to control her emotions during the final.

Despite the disappointment, Sabalenka remained focused on returning stronger next season.

For Rybakina, meanwhile, the victory capped a remarkable tournament and confirmed her arrival at the top of women's tennis as the new world No. 1.


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