Aryna Sabalenka arrived in New York chasing history. She left with a runner-up trophy and without the ranking she had held for nearly two years.
## The Final
Sabalenka lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to Elena Rybakina on September 12, ending her bid to become only the third woman after Chris Evert and Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles.
The middle set was the one that got away in reverse. Sabalenka fought back to take it 7-5, forcing a decider, but Rybakina raised her level immediately afterward and closed the match out with an ace.
## The Ranking Was Already Gone
Here is the detail that made the final unusual: Sabalenka had lost the No. 1 ranking before the match started. Rybakina secured top spot by reaching the semifinals, meaning the outcome of the final could not change it either way.
Her reign at No. 1 lasted 99 consecutive weeks from October 2024.
## A Frustrating Major Season
The pattern of 2026 is hard to miss. Sabalenka reached both hard-court major finals and lost both to the same opponent, while failing to reach the semifinals at either Roland Garros or Wimbledon.
– Australian Open: Runner-up to Rybakina
– French Open: Out before the semifinals
– Wimbledon: Out before the semifinals
– US Open: Runner-up to Rybakina
## What It Does Not Change
Sabalenka still holds four Grand Slam titles and 107 total weeks at No. 1, 10th most in WTA history. She also beat Rybakina at Indian Wells in March, saving a championship point, which is worth remembering before anyone declares the rivalry settled.
Her ranking position and route back are covered in our update on Sabalenka’s ranking after the final. For the champion’s side of the story, see Rybakina’s US Open triumph and her 2026 Grand Slam record.
## Next Up
The autumn indoor season gives Sabalenka a chance to reset before the WTA Finals.