The 2026 US Open has officially concluded at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. Two weeks of thrilling night sessions, intense rivalries, and dramatic five-setters culminated over the weekend with two phenomenal championship matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Here is your comprehensive breakdown of how the final Grand Slam of the season unfolded, featuring champion milestones, breakout stars, and key statistics.
WOMEN’S SINGLES: ELENA RYBAKINA DETHRONES SABALENKA FOR 3RD MAJOR TITLE
In Saturday’s women’s final, Elena Rybakina claimed her first US Open title by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a grueling three-set thriller: 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
Sabalenka entered the match on a 19-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows, aiming for a historic three-peat. However, Rybakina’s composed ball-striking and clutch serve proved decisive in the third set.
- Second Slam of 2026: This marks Rybakina’s second Grand Slam title of the season following her Australian Open triumph earlier this year, taking her career Major tally to three (including Wimbledon 2022).
- Special Trophy Presentation: In a memorable post-match moment, the trophy was presented to Rybakina by tennis legend Maria Sharapova, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Sharapova’s 2006 US Open victory.
- Clutch Serving: Rybakina fired 12 aces during the match, holding off Sabalenka’s relentless baseline pressure to break three times in the deciding set.
MEN’S SINGLES: ALEXANDER ZVEREV OVERPOWERS BEN SHELTON
In Sunday’s men’s final, top seed Alexander Zverev delivered a tactical masterclass to defeat 23-year-old American fan favorite Ben Shelton: 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2.
Despite a roaring home crowd backing Shelton on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Zverev stayed rock-solid behind his first serve and capitalized on key unforced errors to secure the victory.
- Historic Milestone for Germany: Zverev became the first German man to win the US Open singles title since Boris Becker in 1989.
- Double Major Season: Like Rybakina, Zverev leaves 2026 with two Grand Slam trophies, having also won the Australian Open in January.
- Dominant Serving Stats: Zverev landed 70% of his first serves, winning an astounding 85% of points on his first serve and firing 9 aces across the four sets.
TOURNAMENT BREAKOUTS & SURPRISES
- Ben Shelton’s Superstar Moment: The young American reached his maiden Grand Slam final after an extraordinary run. His highlight of the tournament came in the quarterfinals, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set tiebreak thriller that finished at 3:33 AM local time.
- Early Shock Exits: Four-time champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking first-round exit, making it only the third time in his career he lost in the opening round of a Major.
- Marathon Match: Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Arthur Gea in the fourth round in 5 hours and 13 minutes – marking the fourth-longest match in US Open history.
- Doubles Milestone: In women’s doubles, Kateřina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend captured the title to complete a Career Grand Slam as a team.
TOURNAMENT STATISTICS & FAST FACTS
- Total Prize Money: A record-breaking $108,000,000 was awarded across all events.
- Singles Champions Prize: Both Rybakina and Zverev earned $5.5 million each for their singles titles.
- Surface: DecoTurf Hard Court.
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, New York.