Elena Rybakina stunned the home crowd in New York by defeating Coco Gauff in a hard‑fought semi‑final, securing a place in what promises to be a blockbuster US Open championship match against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier dispatched Jessica Pegula. The Kazakh star rallied from a set down to turn the tide against the American favorite, delivering a 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4 victory that not only ended Gauff's hopes of a home triumph but also set the stage for a potential three‑peat for Sabalenka at Flushing Meadows. The semi‑final clash between Rybakina and Gauff was a dramatic roller‑coaster. Gauff, buoyed by a supportive crowd that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, started strongly, breaking early in the first set and holding serve to claim the opening 6‑3.
Her powerful first serve, though occasionally erratic, was complemented by a heavy second serve that often forced her opponent into defensive positions. Rybakina, however, remained composed, reminding herself to stay positive and focus on her own game.
"I took a deep breath, kept talking positively to myself, and told myself I needed to fight and show good tennis," the Kazakh said in a post‑match interview. The second set saw a shift in momentum. Rybakina capitalised on a few unforced errors from the fourth‑seeded American, breaking serve to go up 3‑1.
She then used her own powerful groundstrokes and aggressive baseline play to level the match at 4‑4. After a tense series of rallies, Rybakina secured a crucial break to lead 5‑3, and eventually closed the set 6‑4, forcing a deciding third set.
In the final set, Rybakina continued to dictate play with her signature power, breaking Gauff to go 5‑3. Gauff fought back, breaking back to stay in contention, but a missed service game allowed Rybakina to break once more and seal the match. "My dad came up to me and said I had accomplished a lot this summer, and I told him I didn't care about the summer," Gauff reflected, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"I want to be a consistent player and give myself as many chances as possible to lift a trophy. It hurts, but it's a learning experience and I hope to keep putting myself in positions to win in the future." On the other side of the draw, Sabalenka displayed the relentless power that has become her trademark. She faced Jessica Pegula, the third‑seeded American who was runner‑up at the 2024 US Open, in a match that highlighted Sabalenka's ability to dominate with aggressive shot‑making.
Sabalenka unleashed 29 winners and served seven aces, eventually breaking Pegula at a crucial moment to claim the first set 7‑5. After a brief lull in the second set, Sabalenka surged ahead, breaking again to close the match 6‑2.
Pegula, a seasoned competitor at 32, started strongly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner and holding serve confidently. However, Sabalenka's relentless pressure and a series of costly errors from Pegula in the second set allowed the Belarusian to pull away.
"I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly," Sabalenka admitted after the match, acknowledging the intensity of the contest. Sabalenka's run to the final adds another chapter to her impressive Grand Slam résumé. Since 1988, only a handful of world No. 1 players—Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis—have reached five or more major finals while holding the top ranking.
Sabalenka now finds herself in that elite company, entering her ninth Grand Slam final and riding a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open. She boasts a 36‑3 record at Flushing Meadows over the past five years and has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals, underscoring her dominance on this surface. The upcoming final pits the powerful, hard‑hitting Sabalenka against the resilient, versatile Rybakina, who entered the tournament as the Australian Open champion. Rybakina's ability to rebound after a set loss, combined with her aggressive baseline game, makes her a formidable opponent.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, relies on her sheer firepower and mental toughness, qualities that have carried her through countless high‑pressure matches. Both players have expressed confidence heading into the showdown.
Sabalenka said, "I feel confident and mentally and physically strong right now," a sentiment that resonated with the partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rybakina, reflecting on her semi‑final triumph, noted that staying calm under pressure was key to overcoming Gauff's early dominance. If the final lives up to its billing, tennis fans can expect a clash of contrasting styles: Sabalenka's thunderous groundstrokes and relentless aggression versus Rybakina's blend of power, precision and tactical adaptability. The match also carries historic significance, as Sabalenka eyes a possible three‑peat—a rare feat in the modern era—while Rybakina seeks to claim her first US Open title.
The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app. Tennis enthusiasts can also catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London, scheduled for September 25‑27, further extending the summer of high‑level tennis action.