Elena Rybakina stunned the home crowd in New York by edging out 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 in the evening dispatched Jessica Pegula. The Kazakh’s comeback victory, 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, not only halted the American’s dream of a home‑court title but also set the stage for a potential three‑peat by Sabalenka, who is now just one win away from capturing her third consecutive US Open crown. The semi‑final between Rybakina and Gauff was a roller‑coaster of momentum shifts. Gauff, buoyed by an enthusiastic New York audience that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, started strongly, breaking Rybakina in the sixth game and taking the opening set 6‑3.
Her powerful first serve, though occasionally erratic, was quickly followed by a heavy second serve that often forced her opponent onto the defensive. Despite the pressure, Gauff kept her composure, drawing errors from the Kazakh and showcasing why she is a fan favourite.
Rybakina, the 2023 Australian Open champion, responded in the second set with a blend of relentless power and tactical adjustments. She capitalised on a few unforced errors from the fourth‑seeded American, breaking serve to level the match at 1‑1 and eventually taking the set 6‑4. The Kazakh’s aggressive baseline play, punctuated by deep forehands and a booming serve, began to dictate the rhythm of the contest.
The decisive third set saw Rybakina seize control early, breaking Gauff to go up 5‑3. Although Gauff fought back, breaking once herself, she could not sustain the momentum and was broken again, allowing Rybakina to close out the match. In post‑match remarks, Rybakina admitted the nerves that come with facing a player of Gauff’s calibre: “Coco is a great player. It’s always tough to play her.
Even if sometimes her first serve doesn’t go, the second one is so heavy it’s difficult to dictate the rallies. I took a deep breath, tried to stay positive and told myself to fight and show good tennis.” Gauff reflected on the loss with a mixture of disappointment and resolve. She recounted a conversation with her father, who praised her summer achievements, and added, “I want to be a consistent player. I want to give myself as many opportunities to lift a trophy.
It hurts, but it’s a learning experience, and I hope to keep putting myself in positions to win.” Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the draw, Sabalenka displayed the power that has become her trademark, dispatching Pegula 7‑5, 6‑2. The Belarusian unleashed 29 winners and served seven aces, overwhelming the third‑seeded American with relentless aggression.
Pegula, who entered the match as the 2024 runner‑up and a seasoned Grand Slam contender, began brightly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner. However, a series of costly mistakes in the second set, coupled with Sabalenka’s relentless baseline attacks, eroded her early advantage.
Sabalenka’s post‑match comments highlighted her confidence: “I feel mentally and physically strong right now. The support from the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium is incredible.” Her performance in New York has been nothing short of dominant; she is on a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open, holds a 36‑3 record over the past five years at the tournament, and has reached eight consecutive hard‑court major finals. If she captures the title, she will join an elite group of world‑number‑one players—including Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis—who have contested five or more Grand Slam finals while holding the top ranking.
Pegula, now 32, acknowledged the daunting task of facing a player in such formidable form. “She played insane. She played at a super‑high level.
Honestly, I don’t know if there was much I could do today,” she said, expressing both admiration for Sabalenka’s performance and frustration at her own inability to turn the tide. The upcoming final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s fluid, power‑laden baseline game against Sabalenka’s raw, explosive force.
Both players have demonstrated the mental resilience required to navigate the pressures of a Grand Slam stage, and both are eager to add another chapter to their burgeoning legacies. Rybakina, seeking her first US Open title, will look to replicate the composure she displayed in the semi‑final, while Sabalenka aims to cement her dominance with a historic three‑peat. Fans worldwide can tune in to the live broadcast on Sky Sports starting August 30, or stream the action via NOW and the Sky Sports app without a contract. The US Open continues to deliver high‑octane tennis drama, and the final showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium is poised to become one of the most memorable matches in recent history, showcasing the sport’s blend of athleticism, strategy, and unyielding determination.