Aryna Sabalenka is motivated by the prospect of avenging her Australian Open final loss to Elena Rybakina and reclaiming the world number one ranking in the US Open final. Rybakina is guaranteed to ascend to the top of the WTA rankings, having secured her spot by reaching the semi-finals.
Sabalenka's 99-week reign as world number one will conclude with this match. Rybakina defeated Sabalenka earlier this year to win the Australian Open title, and the two have met three times previously in 2026, with Sabalenka holding a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head matches this year, including wins in Indian Wells and Miami.
Sabalenka's semi-final victory over American third seed Jessica Pegula was described as her most dominant performance in months, showcasing a return to the aggressive style that has defined her career. Despite her on-court demeanor, where she joked about not caring about losing the top ranking, sources indicate its loss has been a significant talking point for her team.
"I actually like this [losing the ranking] happened. It's ended and it's extra fuel," said Sabalenka's coach Anton Dubrov. "There is no more extra draining [of mental energy] or thinking about it. There's a next chapter right now. You have to chase again. It's extra motivation for you. Just go and get it."
Should Sabalenka win the US Open final, she would become only the third woman in the Open era to win the New York singles title in three consecutive years. She has won four Grand Slam titles in her career, including two US Open titles, and holds a 40-6 win-loss record at the US Open and a 46-8 record in 2026. Rybakina has won two Grand Slam titles but has yet to win the US Open, with a 14-6 record at the event and a 48-13 record in 2026.