How the Two Semifinals Set Up the Final
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinals. After taking a closely contested first set, she won the second set 6-2 to secure her place in the final in straight sets.
Elena Rybakina lost the first set to Coco Gauff 3-6, but won the second and third sets 6-4 each. While Sabalenka reached the final with a straight-sets victory, Rybakina came from a set down to complete a comeback win, giving the two finalists contrasting paths to the final. The final is now confirmed as a matchup between the two players.
Rybakina’s World No. 1 Ranking Takes Effect in the September 14 Updated Rankings
The confirmed ranking change connected to this final is Rybakina’s rise to No. 1 in the WTA women’s singles rankings. The WTA stated that Rybakina will become world No. 1 for the first time in the updated rankings released on September 14 after the 2026 US Open concludes. Therefore, the ranking will take effect in the September 14 updated rankings issued after the tournament, not at the moment when the final result is announced.
First WTA World No. 1 From Kazakhstan
Rybakina’s achievement goes beyond becoming the first women’s singles world No. 1 of her career. According to the WTA, Rybakina will be the first player from Kazakhstan, among both men and women, to reach No. 1 in the WTA rankings. This record will be confirmed alongside Rybakina’s placement at No. 1 in the updated rankings on September 14.