Coco Gauff bounced from US Open by new world No.1 Elena Rybakina, who will face Aryna Sabalenka in final

Rybakina rallies past Gauff to set up US Open final against Sabalenka

Healfromzero.com – Elena Rybakina will play Aryna Sabalenka for the US Open title after overturning a fast start from Coco Gauff in a dramatic semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second-seeded Rybakina defeated the American fourth seed 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday, securing a place in her first final at Flushing Meadows.

The result carries added significance for Rybakina, who is set to become the new world No. 1 on Monday. She now has the opportunity to claim the third grand slam trophy of her career against the tournament’s top seed and two-time defending champion.

Gauff begins in command

Gauff entered the evening in excellent form, having won 11 consecutive matches, and she immediately gave the sold-out New York crowd reason to believe another US Open final was within reach. Her serve was especially effective in the opening set, which she took 6-3.

With former first lady Michelle Obama among those watching, Gauff did not face a break point in the first set. She surrendered just four points behind her first delivery, while Rybakina accumulated 18 unforced errors as the American established early control.

But the balance shifted sharply after the first set. Rybakina opened the second with greater authority and built a 4-1 advantage, displaying the aggressive tennis that has elevated her to the top of the rankings.

Gauff refused to let the match slip away quietly. Powered by the home support, she recovered the break and pulled level at 4-4. Rybakina, however, regained her composure at the decisive moment, winning the next two games to level the contest and send it to a third set.

A late swing decides the semifinal

The deciding set stayed close through six games, with the players tied at 3-3. Rybakina then found another gear, taking the following two games to move within one game of the final.

Gauff again produced a response, breaking back to narrow the deficit to 5-4. Her emphatic celebration drew a loud response from a crowd firmly behind the American, and the momentum seemed briefly to be turning once more.

Rybakina did not allow the atmosphere or the late resistance to unsettle her. She closed out the match with a decisive break after Gauff sent an overhead beyond the court, ending a contest that repeatedly swung between the two elite players.

“I know you guys wanted Coco to win,” Rybakina said after the match.

Despite the disappointment for Gauff, Rybakina spoke warmly about the challenge posed by her opponent and the quality of the American’s game.

“Coco, she’s a great player. It’s always tough to play against her. Even if sometimes her first serve doesn’t go, the second one is so heavy,” Rybakina said. “Took a deep breath. Was trying to talk positive to myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis.”

For Gauff, the defeat ends a strong run that had placed her within reach of another championship match in New York. Her opening-set performance showed why the crowd believed she could recreate the success that brought her the 2023 US Open title, but Rybakina’s resilience and late precision proved decisive.

Sabalenka extends remarkable New York streak

Sabalenka earned her place in Saturday’s championship match by defeating third-seeded Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the first semifinal. The win sends the Belarusian into her fourth consecutive US Open final and extends her winning streak at the tournament to 19 matches.

The opening set was tightly contested. Sabalenka and Pegula traded games until the Belarusian seized control of Pegula’s serve in the final game, preventing a tiebreak and taking the set 7-5.

Sabalenka moved ahead 4-1 in the second set before Pegula claimed the sixth game. The American’s frustration surfaced after she lost the next game and threw her racket to the court. Sabalenka then completed the victory when Pegula was unable to return a powerful forehand.

“Last time I played Jessica, it was almost impossible to get the win, so I am super happy to play such tennis in front of you all,” Sabalenka said. “Thank you for the atmosphere, and honestly guys, you are the best. Your respect to me is priceless and I know you wanted (Pegula) to win but thank you for being so respectful to me.”

The 28-year-old won the US Open in 2024 and 2025, following her loss to Gauff in the 2023 final. A victory on Saturday would make her only the third woman in the Open Era to capture three consecutive US Open singles titles, alongside Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

Sabalenka also drew attention with custom jewelry during her semifinal appearance. She has described her vintage-inspired Material Good necklace as stylish and eye-catching without being heavy.

Familiar opponents meet for the trophy

Rybakina and Sabalenka know the stakes and each other’s games well. They have met 17 times on the WTA Tour, and Rybakina won their two most recent encounters, taking victories at the Australian Open and the WTA Finals.

Saturday’s final will therefore bring together the incoming No. 1 player and the reigning champion chasing a historic third straight title. Rybakina arrives after surviving a fiercely supported home favorite; Sabalenka comes in with an extraordinary record at this event and another opportunity to strengthen her place in US Open history.