Maria Sharapova Presents US Open Trophy to Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina made history by winning the US Open women's singles title, and the moment was made even more special by the presence of former champion Maria Sharapova, who handed her the trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday.

Sharapova's appearance was significant, as she had won the US Open title exactly 20 years earlier in 2006. The Russian former world No.1 is a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, having won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2004, followed by the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and the French Open in 2012.

Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020, after an illustrious career that included 36 WTA singles titles and a spell at the top of the world rankings. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025, cementing her legacy among the sport's greatest players.

Rybakina defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final to claim her maiden US Open title and third Grand Slam crown. The victory also saw her rise to world No.1.

After Rybakina celebrated with her team, Sharapova joined her on court and handed her the championship trophy, creating a memorable passing-of-the-torch moment between two Grand Slam champions.

Sharapova's connection to the US Open is deep, having won the title in 2006 by defeating Justine Henin in the final. Her appearance at the 2026 US Open was particularly fitting, as the tournament was celebrating the 20th anniversary of her memorable title run.

The moment was iconic, with Sharapova and Rybakina sharing a special moment on court. Sharapova has remained connected to tennis through business ventures, media appearances, and her podcast, “Pretty Tough with Maria Sharapova.”

The US Open victory marks a significant milestone in Rybakina's career, and the presentation of the trophy by Sharapova made the moment even more memorable.

In the end, Rybakina's victory and Sharapova's presence made for a special moment in tennis history, one that will be remembered for years to come. The passing of the torch from one generation to the next is a significant moment in any sport, and this moment was no exception.

The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it marks a new era in women's tennis, with Rybakina at the forefront. The fact that Sharapova was there to present the trophy makes it even more special, as it shows the connection between the past and present of women's tennis.

This moment will be remembered as a significant one in the history of the US Open, and it will be interesting to see how Rybakina's career progresses from here. With her maiden US Open title and third Grand Slam crown, she has cemented her place as one of the top players in the world.

The future of women's tennis looks bright, and this moment is a testament to the talent and dedication of the players involved. The fact that Sharapova was there to present the trophy to Rybakina makes it a truly special moment, one that will be remembered for years to come.