What is the 'Burgundy Prophecy' at US Open? All you need to know about viral superstition
Several burgundy-clad players have enjoyed success at Grand Slams
Kazakhstani star Elena Rybakina won her third career Grand Slam on Saturday by beating Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open 2026 women’s singles final. The former, the newest world No. 1, secured a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 win at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to clinch her maiden title at Flushing Meadows.
It was a deserved win for Rybakina, who showed exceptional mental toughness and shot selection against one of the best, if not the best, hard-court players in the world. However, the 27-year-old’s success in New York was attributed to one more thing: her all-burgundy dress before the match.
Indeed, the viral “Burgundy Prophecy” added another chapter to its lore as Rybakina arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium before the final, wearing an all-burgundy outfit. This immediately caught fans’ eyes, as this colour has been linked with success at Flushing Meadows.
In recent years, several players have enjoyed title-winning runs in both singles and doubles after being seen wearing burgundy or similar wine, maroon, and mauve shades during or before their matches. This has given rise to the viral ‘Burgundy Prophecy’ superstition.
Also Read: List of records Elena Rybakina broke at US Open 2026
Following Rybakina’s title win, the official US Open Tennis X account shared the video of her outfit and wrote, “The Burgundy Prophecy is real.”
Burgundy’s history of Flushing Meadows success
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Over the years, players have enjoyed significant success in New York while sporting burgundy dresses. Italy’s Jannik Sinner wore burgundy during his 2024 US Open title triumph. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz did the same during his title win the following year. Earlier, Rafael Nadal wore burgundy during his 2022 campaign at Flushing Meadows.
This year, the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik wore matching burgundy outfits as they clinched the US Open Mixed Doubles title in August. USA’s Jessica Pegula also wore burgundy as the American reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.
Now, Rybakina added to the prophecy by winning her third career Grand Slam, having already won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2026. As a result, she has completed a remarkable Grand Slam double in 2026. She also became the first player from Kazakhstan to become world No. 1, overtaking Sabalenka.
What is the Burgundy Prophecy at the US Open?
The ‘Burgundy Prophecy’ is a viral superstition linking burgundy outfits with success at Flushing Meadows. Players wearing burgundy or similar shades have often gone on to win titles.
Which players have won US Open titles wearing burgundy?
Players who have won US Open titles wearing burgundy include Jannik Sinner (2024 champion), Carlos Alcaraz (2025 champion), and Elena Rybakina (2026 champion).
Who won the US Open 2026 women’s singles title?
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑2 in the final.
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