Elena Rybakina beats Coco Gauff to reach US Open final vs Sabalenka
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina staged a dramatic three-set comeback against Coco Gauff to secure a spot in the US Open final. She now faces defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a high-stakes showdown.
Elena Rybakina overcame a set deficit to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a dramatic US Open semi-final, securing her first final at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina, the newly crowned World No. 1, will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a high-stakes final featuring the top two players in women’s tennis. The semi-final marked the first time since 1975 that all four top seeds reached the US Open women’s semi-finals, highlighting the dominance of the sport’s elite players.
Sabalenka, aiming for a historic third consecutive US Open title, defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 earlier in the evening to set up the final.
Rybakina’s Comeback against Coco Gauff
Elena Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a gripping US Open semi-final, securing her place in the championship match for the first time in her career. The Kazakhstani player, who recently claimed the World No. 1 ranking, overcame early pressure from the fourth-seeded American to advance to a final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
The victory marked a pivotal moment in Rybakina’s career, as she aims to add a US Open title to her Australian Open crown from this year.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, took control of the opening set with a dominant performance, winning 6-3 in 38 minutes. Her powerful serve and aggressive play left Rybakina struggling, with the Kazakhstani player admitting post-match that she felt nerves
and pressure
from Gauff’s early onslaught.
However, Rybakina’s resilience shone through as she regrouped in the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve to take the set 6-4 and force a decider. The third set was a tightly contested battle, with both players trading breaks before Rybakina sealed the match with a decisive break in the final game.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Score | 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| Key Moments | Rybakina’s second-set break, Gauff’s late rally in the third set |
| Ranking Implications | Rybakina becomes World No. 1; Sabalenka’s title bid for third straight US Open |
Rybakina’s Rise to World No. 1
Rybakina’s victory in the semi-final capped a historic run at the 2026 US Open, where she has combined a career-first World No. 1 ranking with her deepest tournament performance. The 27-year-old Kazakhstani player secured the top spot after defeating Qinwen Zheng in the quarter-finals, becoming the 30th player to reach the summit of the WTA rankings.
Her journey to the final has been defined by mental toughness, as she overcame a challenging first set against Gauff and maintained composure in the face of adversity. The win also solidified Rybakina’s status as a Grand Slam contender.
Having won the Australian Open earlier this year, she now seeks her third major title in a single season. Her path to the final included a previous three-set victory over Gauff at the National Bank Open in August, where she also came from a set down.
Sabalenka’s Bid for Third Consecutive Title
Aryna Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion, advanced to the final with a commanding 7-5, 6-2 victory over Jessica Pegula in the first semi-final. The Belarusian player, who has held the World No. 1 ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, showcased her power and consistency to dismantle Pegula, who had reached the 2024 final.
Sabalenka’s performance was marked by 29 winners and a 14-19 edge in points on Pegula’s second serve, highlighting her ability to dominate on hard courts. Sabalenka’s path to the final has been defined by her 19-match winning streak at the US Open, a record that includes victories over Gauff in the 2023 final and Pegula in the 2024 final.
The 26-year-old is now one win away from a historic third consecutive title, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams’ three-peat from 2012 to 2014. Her clash with Rybakina in the final will be a rematch of the Australian Open final, where Rybakina emerged victorious.
Stakes of the World No. 1 Clash
The US Open final between Rybakina and Sabalenka represents the culmination of a season defined by intense rivalries and historic milestones. The match will pit the newly crowned World No. 1 against the reigning champion, with Rybakina aiming to claim her second Grand Slam title and Sabalenka seeking a third consecutive US Open title.
For Rybakina, the final is an opportunity to complete a breakthrough season by winning her first US Open title. For Sabalenka, it is a chance to extend her dominance in New York and cement her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.
The final also marks the first time since 1975 that all four top seeds—Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff, and Pegula—have reached the US Open semi-finals, underscoring the depth of talent at the sport’s highest level. The match will be a test of physical and mental endurance, with both players capable of delivering high-impact performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elena Rybakina, and why is her US Open final significant?
Elena Rybakina is a Kazakhstani tennis player who recently became the World No. 1 after securing the top ranking in the 2026 US Open. Her first US Open final represents a career milestone, as she aims to add a major title to her Australian Open victory this year.
What is at stake in the US Open final between Rybakina and Sabalenka?
The final will determine the 2026 US Open champion, with Aryna Sabalenka seeking a historic third consecutive title. Rybakina, the newly crowned World No. 1, will look to dethrone the defending champion and claim her third Grand Slam title in a single season.
How did Rybakina overcome Coco Gauff in the semi-final?
Rybakina came from a set down, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 after a gritty performance. She overcame early pressure from Gauff, who took the first set with a strong serve, before regaining control in the second and third sets to secure the victory.
The final between Rybakina and Sabalenka is set for Saturday, with the winner poised to etch their name into US Open history.
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