Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in New York, silencing the home crowd and halting Coco Gauff's dream run, thereby setting up a highly anticipated US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who had already dispatched Jessica Pegula earlier in the evening. The Kazakh star’s comeback victory over the American favorite was a dramatic three-set affair that highlighted both players' tenacity and skill, and it also kept Rybakina on track for what could become her third Grand Slam title. The semi‑final clash began with Gauff asserting herself early, breaking Rybakina’s serve in the sixth game and claiming the opening set 6-3 in front of a rapt audience that included former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Gauff’s aggressive baseline play and powerful first serve put the Kazakh under constant pressure, but Rybakina remained composed, absorbing the onslaught and waiting for opportunities to counter. In the second set, Rybakina capitalised on a series of unforced errors from the fourth‑seeded American.
She broke serve to go up 3-1, then steadied her own game with deep, penetrating groundstrokes that forced Gauff into defensive positions. The Kazakh’s relentless power and precise shot placement allowed her to level the match at 4-4, and she eventually clinched the set 6-4 after a tense series of rallies that tested both players' mental stamina. The deciding set saw Rybakina seize control early, breaking Gauff to lead 5-3.
Although Gauff fought back, breaking back to 5-5, she could not sustain the momentum. Rybakina broke once more to serve for the match and closed it out 6-4, securing a place in the championship match against Sabalenka. In the post‑match interview, Rybakina admitted that nerves were present but emphasized her focus on positive self‑talk and a willingness to battle for every point.
"Coco is a great player, and even when her first serve is off, her second serve is so heavy it can dominate the rally," she said. "I took a deep breath, kept my thoughts positive, and reminded myself to fight and play good tennis." Gauff, reflecting on the loss, spoke candidly about the emotional toll. She recalled her father's encouragement throughout the summer and expressed disappointment at missing out on a trophy, yet she framed the experience as a valuable lesson.
"I want to be a consistent player and give myself as many opportunities to lift a trophy as possible," she said. "It hurts, but it's definitely a learning experience, and I hope to keep putting myself in positions to win in the future." Meanwhile, Sabalenka had completed her own semi‑final earlier in the night, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2. The Belarusian’s performance was characterized by sheer power; she unleashed 29 winners and served seven aces, overwhelming Pegula with relentless aggression. Pegula, the third seed and 2024 runner‑up, started strongly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner, but she eventually succumbed to Sabalenka’s relentless baseline attacks and a cascade of errors in the second set.
Sabalenka’s composure under pressure was evident when she broke Pegula on match point, sealing the victory with an unreturnable shot deep in Pegula’s court. Sabalenka’s road to the final adds a historic dimension to the narrative. Since 1988, only four world‑number‑one 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 joins that elite group, marking her ninth Grand Slam final appearance and extending a 19‑match winning streak at Flushing Meadows.
She boasts a 36‑3 record at the US Open over the past five years and has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals, underscoring her dominance on the surface. "I feel confident, mentally and physically strong right now," Sabalenka said after her win, earning applause from the partisan crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pegula, 32, remains hungry for her first Grand Slam title.
After the loss, she acknowledged the daunting challenge of facing Sabalenka, describing the Belarusian’s level of play as "insane" and "super‑high." She admitted that she was unsure what had gone wrong, hinting at frustration but also respect for her opponent’s performance. The upcoming final promises to be a blockbuster showdown. Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, will bring her powerful baseline game and tactical resilience, while Sabalenka will rely on her trademark aggression and relentless shot‑making. Both players have demonstrated the ability to dominate opponents with sheer force and mental fortitude, setting the stage for a clash that could determine the next dominant force in women’s tennis.
For fans eager to watch the climax of the tournament, the US Open final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports. The final not only represents a pivotal moment for the two competitors but also offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, power, and the relentless pursuit of Grand Slam glory.