Which player was runner-up to Elena Rybakina in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final?

Aryna Sabalenka was runner-up to Elena Rybakina in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final.

Rybakina defeated Sabalenka 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 in the championship match. Sabalenka therefore finished second after reaching the final as the reigning US Open champion.

Sabalenka had won the tournament in 2024 and 2025, making the 2026 final an opportunity to become a three-time consecutive champion. Rybakina prevented that achievement by taking the deciding set 6–2.

The final also continued a significant rivalry between the two players. Earlier in 2026, Rybakina had defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, so both of their season’s Grand Slam meetings ended with Rybakina winning the title.