Elena Rybakina stunned the home crowd in New York by defeating fan‑favorite Coco Gauff in a dramatic semi‑final, earning the right to face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in what promises to be a blockbuster US Open final. The Kazakh star rallied from a set down to clinch the match 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, while Sabalenka secured her own spot in the championship match by overcoming Jessica Pegula in straight sets earlier in the evening. The semi‑final between Rybakina and Gauff was a showcase of resilience and power.
Gauff, buoyed by the enthusiastic support of the New York audience – which even included former First Lady Michelle Obama – started strongly, breaking early and taking the opening set 6‑3. She kept the pressure on Rybakina throughout the first set, exploiting the Kazakh’s occasional unforced errors and using her own heavy second serve to dictate the rallies when her first serve faltered. Rybakina, however, remained composed. In the post‑match interview she admitted, “There were definitely nerves.
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 powerful that it’s hard to control the point.” She explained that she focused on breathing, positive self‑talk, and a determination to fight for every point.
That mental reset paid off in the second set, where she capitalised on a few sloppy moments from the fourth‑seeded American, breaking to take a 5‑3 lead. Gauff managed to break back, but Rybakina held her nerve, broke again and closed the set 6‑4.
The deciding set saw Rybakina assert her power game, a hallmark of her recent Australian Open triumph. She broke Gauff to go up 5‑3, and although Gauff fought back with a break of her own, she could not sustain the momentum.
Rybakina served out the match, sealing a 6‑4 final set and a place in the championship match. Gauff reflected on the loss with maturity, saying, “My dad came up to me and reminded me of everything I’ve achieved this summer. I want to be a consistent player and keep putting myself in positions to win titles, but it hurts. It’s a learning experience and I’ll keep working to improve.” Her comments highlighted the emotional weight of playing in front of a partisan crowd and the high expectations placed on her as America’s leading hope for a US Open title.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s semi‑final against Pegula was a display of relentless aggression. The Belarusian, who is chasing a historic three‑peat at Flushing Meadows, unleashed 29 winners and served seven aces, overwhelming Pegula’s normally steady baseline game. Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve at crucial moments, including a decisive break on match point, to win 7‑5, 6‑2.
Pegula, the third seed and a two‑time US Open finalist, started the match with a near‑flawless service game, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner. However, as the match progressed, a series of unforced errors and a loss of composure – exemplified by a racket‑smashing outburst after a double fault – allowed Sabalenka to seize control.
The Belarusian’s forehand, often cited as her most lethal weapon, repeatedly penetrated Pegula’s defenses, especially on break points, pushing the American into a defensive posture she could not escape. Sabalenka, now the fifth player in the Open Era to reach five or more Grand Slam finals while holding the world No. 1 ranking – joining legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis – spoke confidently after her victory.
“I feel mentally and physically strong right now,” she said, acknowledging the respect she has earned from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Her record at the US Open over the past five years stands at an impressive 36‑3, and she is currently on a 19‑match winning streak in New York, underscoring her dominance on the hard courts. Pegula, 32, admitted the challenge of facing a player of Sabalenka’s caliber in peak form.
“I don’t know who p***ed her off today – maybe it was me, maybe not – but she played at an insane level. Honestly, I don’t think there was much I could do.” Despite the loss, Pegula remains determined to capture her first Grand Slam title, a goal that continues to drive her performance on the tour. Looking ahead, the US Open final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s aggressive baseline power and tactical resilience against Sabalenka’s raw athleticism and relentless shot‑making. Both players have demonstrated the ability to raise their game under pressure, and the final will likely hinge on who can maintain composure during the pivotal moments.
For fans eager to watch the showdown, the tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also aired on Sky Sports. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to one of the most exciting US Open campaigns in recent memory.