A weekend of new champions and major storylines

The 2026 US Open ended with Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina lifting the singles trophies in New York.

Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final. Then, on Sunday, Zverev overcame American Ben Shelton in four sets. The official US Open champions report confirmed both results.

Rybakina ends Sabalenka’s reign

Rybakina beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. It was her first US Open title and her third Grand Slam crown. The official match report praised her calm play and strong baseline game.

Rybakina took the first set after an early break. Sabalenka then fought back and won the second set. However, Rybakina stayed patient in the decider. She broke early and kept control of the match.

She finished the contest with an ace. The win also moved Rybakina to world No. 1. In addition, she stopped Sabalenka from winning the US Open for a third straight year.

Zverev beats Shelton

Zverev beat American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2. The match lasted three hours and 33 minutes, according to ESPN’s report.

Zverev controlled the first two sets with his serve and steady groundstrokes. Shelton then raised his level. He won the third set 7-5 and gave the home crowd hope.

Still, Zverev responded well. He broke early in the fourth set. He then held his nerve and served out the match.

Shelton’s run was also important. He became the first American man to reach the US Open final since 2006. He was also the first Black American man to reach the final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, according to The Guardian.

Final verdict

Results at a glance

Final	Result
Women’s singles	Rybakina beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
Men’s singles	Zverev beat Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2

Why the weekend mattered

The finals rewarded calm play under pressure. Rybakina stopped a champion’s three-peat. Zverev overcame Shelton’s late fight. Together, they gave New York a memorable end to the Grand Slam season.