With the US Open serving as the last Grand Slam of the year, the world’s top tennis players came together to showcase their immense grit in hopes of capturing one of the sport’s prestigious titles. After a series of grueling showdowns in New York, a new set of champions was crowned in the gripping finale of the Grand Slam season. Here are the key stories and winners that shaped the tournament.
Dethroning the Champion
Elena Rybakina defeated the two-time US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s singles, 6–4, 5–7, 6–2. The three-set match saw the finalists trade leads in the first two games, with Rybakina taking the first set and Sabalenka the second.
Rybakina then seized control in the third and final set with relentless depth, dethroning the tournament’s defending champion. This marked her first US Open victory and made her rise to the WTA No. 1 ranking.
Another Grand Slam Secured
In the men’s singles, Alexander Zverev captured his second Grand Slam Title of the year after powering past 8th seed Ben Shelton, 6–3, 7–6(2), 5–7, 6–2. Zverev displayed dominance on two sets, yet Shelton didn’t hold back his aggressiveness to claim the third set.
The deciding fourth set saw Zverev respond strongly, closing out the match 6-2. Zverev’s win served as his maiden US Open title and added another trophy to his breakthrough 2026 run.
Making History from the Doubles
The doubles competition also delivered its share of electrifying matches that further defined the whole US Open tournament. Neal Skupski and USA’s Christian Harrison conquered the men’s doubles, while Kateřina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend secured the women’s title. Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík completed the champions’ lineup after winning the mixed doubles game.
As the US Open 2026 settled, the tournament extended beyond the scoreboard and trophies. It also showcased a sport in transition, with fresh storylines produced; new champions emerged, and unpredictable matches challenged every player. After the US Open, the 2026 tennis calendar is now approaching its closing stretch, with remaining ATP and WTA games awaiting in the last quarter of the year.