From TIME · Sean Gregory · · 1m 20s
Elena Rybakina doesn't do celebrations
She beat Sabalenka in the US Open final, took world No. 1, and barely raised her arms.
In brief
She beat Sabalenka in the US Open final, took world No. 1, and barely raised her arms. Rybakina won two majors in 2026 and the No. 1 ranking without ever performing for the crowd. Originally reported by TIME.
The quietest champion
When Rybakina won Wimbledon in 2022, her celebration was barely a fist-pump. Ons Jabeur joked she would have to teach her how to celebrate properly.
“how to celebrate properly”
Three majors, one shrug
She beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 for her first US Open title, raised her arms, hugged her at the net, and clapped her racket gently.
Number one on Monday
Two majors in 2026 make Rybakina one of the standout athletes in any sport this year. She takes the world No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka.
The set that almost turned
Sabalenka drew a ball abuse violation, bounced a racket, and berated herself, then took the second set on her third set point. New York was behind her.
Serve settled it
Rybakina doubled Sabalenka's ace count, 12 to 6. In the third set Sabalenka won nothing off Rybakina's first serve, going 0 for 10.
“I need to focus on my serve and just risk a little bit more when I have the chance.”
A week without a racket
A foot injury ended her Cincinnati quarterfinal in August, and the New York MRI looked bad. She spent a week in the gym instead, struggling to walk.
“It didn't look that great.”
What to remember
Rybakina won two majors in 2026 and the No. 1 ranking without ever performing for the crowd.
