Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in New York, silencing the home crowd and halting Coco Gauff’s run to secure a place in what promises to be a blockbuster US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The Kazakh star rallied from a set down to defeat the American favourite 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a tense semi‑final, while Sabalenka dispatched Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 earlier in the evening, moving one step closer to a potential third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows. The semi‑final clash between Rybakina and Gauff was a showcase of resilience and power.
Gauff, buoyed by a rapt audience that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, started strongly, breaking early and taking the opening set 6-3. She capitalised on a few unforced errors from the fourth‑seeded Kazakh and seemed poised to ride the momentum of the crowd. However, Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, remained composed. She adjusted her tactics, using her heavy groundstrokes and deep serves to force errors from the American.
In the second set, the Kazakh turned the tide, breaking Gauff’s serve and pulling ahead to claim the set 6-4. The decisive third set was a battle of wills. Rybakina surged ahead to 5-3, displaying a blend of aggressive baseline play and strategic serving.
Gauff fought back, breaking Rybakina to narrow the gap, but the momentum proved elusive. A crucial service break for Rybakina sealed the match, delivering her a hard‑earned victory and a ticket to the final. In the post‑match interview, Rybakina admitted the nerves she felt facing a player of Gauff’s calibre. “Coco is a great player.
It’s always tough to play her. Even when her first serve is off, the second is so heavy it’s difficult to dictate the rallies,” she said. “I took a deep breath, tried to stay positive and reminded myself to fight and play good tennis.” Gauff, visibly disappointed, reflected on the loss.
“My dad came up to me and said I’d accomplished a lot this summer, and I told him I don’t care about the summer,” she recalled. “My goal is to be consistent and give myself as many chances as possible to lift a trophy.
It hurts, but it’s a learning experience. I’ll keep putting myself in positions to win.” Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s semi‑final against Pegula was a display of raw power. The Belarusian champion unleashed 29 winners and seven aces, overwhelming the third‑seeded American with relentless aggression.
Pegula, who had been a runner‑up at the 2024 US Open, started brightly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner. Yet Sabalenka’s ferocity soon took over. After a double fault in the ninth game, Sabalenka snapped her racket in frustration but quickly regained composure, breaking Pegula’s serve on set point and later consolidating her lead to close the match in straight sets.
Sabalenka’s performance underlined why she is a favourite for a three‑peat. The 27‑year‑old is now on a 19‑match winning streak at Flushing Meadows, holding a 36‑3 record over the past five years at the US Open. She has reached nine Grand Slam finals, joining an elite group of world No.
1s who have appeared in five or more major finals, a list that includes legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis. When asked about her form, Sabalenka exuded confidence.
“I feel mentally and physically strong right now,” she said, acknowledging the support of the partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Her dominant run this season includes seven top‑10 victories and back‑to‑back finals at this tournament, underscoring her status as the player to beat. Pegula, 32, remains in pursuit of her first Grand Slam title. After the loss, she admitted the challenge of facing a player in such peak condition.
“I don’t know who pissed her off today – hopefully it wasn’t me – but she played at an insane, super‑high level,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t think there was much I could have done.” Looking ahead, the final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s fluid baseline game and tactical versatility against Sabalenka’s sheer power and aggressive mindset.
Both players have demonstrated the ability to dominate on the hard courts of New York, and the winner will claim a coveted US Open crown and the chance to cement a historic three‑peat. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports.
The tournament’s excitement shows no signs of waning, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the showdown that could define the remainder of the season.