# Elena Rybakina doesn't do celebrations

> She beat Sabalenka in the US Open final, took world No. 1, and barely raised her arms.
- Title: Elena Rybakina doesn't do celebrations · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: tennis, us open, elena rybakina, aryna sabalenka, wta, Elena, Rybakina, doesn't, celebrations, TIME
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/09/13/there-s-a-new-tennis-force-in-town
- Author: Sean Gregory
- Published: 2026-09-13T13:35:44.83+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tennis, us open, elena rybakina, aryna sabalenka, wta
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Rybakina won two majors in 2026 and the No. 1 ranking without ever performing for the crowd.