US Open 2026: Rybakina and Swiatek to Meet in Final — Kazakhstani to Become World No. 1

The participants in the decisive match of the US Open women's singles draw have been determined in New York. The two best tennis players in the world — Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina and Arina Sabalenka, competing under a "neutral" status — will battle for the US Open 2026 trophy, according to Sport RBC.UA, citing the tournament results. All four top seeds met in the semifinal clashes, making the road to the final especially competitive.

Semifinals: a fighting comeback and a confident win

Rybakina staged a resilient comeback against America's Coco Gauff, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. In the other semifinal, Sabalenka defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula in two sets (7-5, 6-2), keeping her title defense hopes alive. Both matches featured top seeds, underscoring the high level of the knockout stage.

Final: date and time

The decisive match of the US Open 2026 women's final will take place on Saturday, September 12. The match is scheduled to begin at 23:00 Kyiv time. For viewers, it will be a clash between two players who already met in the Australian Open final this season.

Historical context and rankings

For the 27-year-old Rybakina, this will be her first career final in the United States and her fourth Grand Slam final overall. Earlier, in 2022, the Kazakhstani won Wimbledon, and in 2023 she reached the Australian Open final. This year, Rybakina has already claimed the Australian Open title, defeating Sabalenka in the final match. Sabalenka, for her part, will have the chance to win the US Open for the third consecutive time — the last player to claim three straight titles at the American major was Serena Williams in 2012–2014.

Head-to-head and a change of ranking leader

In their head-to-head record, Sabalenka leads 10-7. However, following the US Open, Rybakina has accumulated enough ranking points to overtake Sabalenka in the WTA rankings: the Kazakhstani will become world No. 1 on September 14 regardless of the final's outcome. Thus, the New York final will be not only a battle for the trophy but also a symbolic change of the world tennis leader.