Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in New York, silencing the home crowd and halting Coco Gauff's run, thereby securing a highly anticipated US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who had just dispatched Jessica Pegula. The Kazakh star turned the semi‑final into a dramatic three‑set battle, rallying from a set down to claim a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the American favorite. This win not only guarantees her a place in the championship match but also keeps her on track for a possible third Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka, meanwhile, had already sealed her spot in the final earlier that evening by beating Pegula 7-5, 6-2, edging closer to a rare three‑peat at the tournament.
The Belarusian’s powerful baseline game and relentless aggression proved too much for the third‑seeded American, who struggled with unforced errors in the second set despite a solid start. After the match, a visibly relieved Rybakina spoke about the pressure of facing Gauff. "There were definitely nerves," she admitted.
"Coco is an exceptional player, and it’s always a challenge to play her. Even when her first serve is off, her second serve is so heavy that it’s hard to dictate the rally.
I took a deep breath, tried to stay positive, and reminded myself to fight and play good tennis." Her composure paid off as she steadied her game after dropping the opening set. Gauff, who had taken the first set 6-3 after breaking early in the sixth game, fought hard to stay in the match. She drew several errors from Rybakina, capitalising on the Kazakh’s occasional lapses. However, the fourth‑seeded American’s level dipped in the second set, allowing Rybakina to seize the momentum and level the match at one set all.
The deciding set saw Rybakina assert her power, breaking Gauff to go up 5-3. Gauff responded with a break of her own, but her comeback stalled when she could not hold serve in the crucial moments, and Rybakina broke again to close out the match. After the final point, Gauff reflected on the experience, saying, "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. My goal is to become 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’ll keep putting myself in positions to win." Sabalenka’s semi‑final against Pegula was a showcase of her trademark power. She fired 29 winners and served seven aces, eventually sealing the win with an unreturnable shot deep in Pegula’s court. Pegula, the 2024 runner‑up, started strongly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner, but the Belarusian’s relentless aggression soon turned the tide.
Sabalenka’s frustration was evident when she smashed her racket after a double fault in the ninth game, yet she quickly regained composure, breaking Pegula on set point and later on match point to seal the victory. Historically, Sabalenka’s achievements place her among an elite group. Since 1988, only four world No.
1 players—Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis—have reached five or more Grand Slam finals while holding the top ranking. Sabalenka, now in her ninth Grand Slam final, rides a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open and boasts a 36‑3 record over the past five years at Flushing Meadows.
She is also on the verge of a three‑peat, a feat achieved by very few in the Open Era. "I feel confident, both mentally and physically," Sabalenka said after her win, earning the admiration of the partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pegula, 32, continues to chase her first Grand Slam title.
She acknowledged the daunting challenge of facing Sabalenka in top form, noting, "I don’t know who upset me today—maybe it was me, maybe not—but she played at an insane, super‑high level. Honestly, I don’t think there was much I could do." Despite the loss, Pegula’s performance highlighted her resilience and her capacity to compete at the highest level.
The upcoming final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s aggressive baseline play and powerful serve against Sabalenka’s relentless power and mental toughness. Both players have demonstrated the ability to dominate opponents with sheer force, making the championship match a potential classic.
Fans can watch the final live on Sky Sports starting August 30, or stream it via NOW and the Sky Sports App without a contract. The tournament also features the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports. With the stage set, tennis enthusiasts worldwide await what could be a defining moment in both Rybakina’s and Sabalenka’s careers. Whether a new champion emerges or Sabalenka completes her historic three‑peat, the US Open final is poised to deliver high‑octane drama, exceptional skill, and unforgettable moments on the court.