Which former champion presented Elena Rybakina’s 2026 US Open trophy?

Maria Sharapova presented Elena Rybakina’s 2026 US Open trophy.

Sharapova handed the championship trophy to Rybakina after Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 in the women’s singles final. Tournament organizers invited Sharapova for the presentation as a tribute to her own US Open victory 20 years earlier.

Sharapova won the 2006 US Open women’s singles title by defeating Justine Henin in the final. Her appearance in 2026 therefore connected Rybakina’s breakthrough New York title with a significant anniversary in Sharapova’s career.

Rybakina’s victory was her first US Open championship and her third Grand Slam singles title. It was also her second major title of 2026, following her Australian Open victory earlier that year.

The result ended Sabalenka’s two-year reign in New York. Rybakina also became the women’s world No. 1 after the tournament, adding a ranking milestone to her title-winning week.