Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in New York, silencing the home crowd and the American favorite Coco Gauff to secure a place in what promises to be a marquee US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The Kazakh star rallied from a set down to defeat Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a tense semi‑final that showcased her resilience, power, and tactical intelligence.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka dispatched fellow American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 earlier in the evening, positioning herself for a potential third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows. The semi‑final clash between Rybakina and Gauff was a roller‑coaster of emotions for the spectators. Gauff, buoyed by a supportive crowd that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, started strongly, breaking early and taking the opening set 6-3.
She used her aggressive serve and baseline consistency to put pressure on the Kazakh, forcing several unforced errors from Rybakina. However, Rybakina remained composed, reminding herself that "Coco is a great player" and that she needed to stay positive despite the nerves that inevitably accompany a high‑stakes match. In the second set, Rybakina capitalised on a handful of sloppy shots from the fourth‑seeded American.
She increased the tempo of her groundstrokes, hit a series of deep winners, and broke Gauff's serve to take a 5-3 lead. The Kazakh's powerful forehand and aggressive court positioning began to tilt the momentum in her favour.
Gauff fought back, breaking Rybakina in the ninth game to level the set, but the Kazakh responded with a decisive break of her own, ultimately sealing the set 6-4. The decisive third set saw Rybakina take control from the outset. She broke early, built a 5-3 advantage, and held her own serve with confidence.
Gauff attempted a comeback, breaking to make it 5-5, but a crucial service game slipped away when Rybakina broke again, allowing her to close the match 6-4. After the win, Rybakina reflected on the mental battle, noting that she "took a deep breath, tried to talk positive with myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis." She praised Gauff's talent while emphasizing the importance of staying focused under pressure. Gauff, visibly disappointed, spoke about the experience with maturity.
She recounted her father's encouragement, saying, "My dad came up to me and was like, you accomplished so many great things this summer, and I'm like, I don't care about the summer," before acknowledging the broader goal of consistency and the desire to lift a trophy. She described the loss as a "learning experience" and expressed determination to keep putting herself in positions to win future titles.
On the other side of the draw, Sabalenka displayed the power that has become her trademark. She dominated Pegula with 29 winners and seven aces, overwhelming the American with relentless aggression. Pegula, a seasoned competitor and former US Open runner‑up, started the match with poise, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner. However, Sabalenka soon found her rhythm, breaking Pegula's serve at a crucial juncture and taking the first set 7-5.
In the second set, Sabalenka's intensity escalated. She broke again to go up 3-1, unleashing a forehand winner on break point that left Pegula scrambling. Despite Pegula's attempts to regain composure, a series of costly errors and Sabalenka's unreturnable shots forced the match to a swift conclusion at 6-2.
After the win, Sabalenka described her mindset: "I can say that I feel confident and I feel mentally and physically really strong right now," a sentiment echoed by the enthusiastic crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka's run to the final is historically significant. Since 1988, she has become only the fifth world No.1 to reach five or more Grand Slam finals, joining legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis.
She now boasts a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open and a career record of 36‑3 at the tournament over the past five years. If she captures the title, Sabalenka would achieve a rare three‑peat, matching a feat accomplished by only a handful of women in the Open Era.
Pegula, 32, remains eager for her first Grand Slam crown. She admitted the challenge of facing an opponent in peak form, saying, "I don't know who p***** her off today – hopefully it wasn't me totally, but it might have been – I don't know.
She played insane. She played a super‑high level." Her candid remarks highlighted the respect she holds for Sabalenka's performance, while also underscoring the difficulty of breaking through at this stage of her career.
The upcoming final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina's fluid baseline play and strategic shot‑making against Sabalenka's raw power and relentless aggression. Both athletes have demonstrated the ability to adapt under pressure, making the final a compelling narrative for tennis fans worldwide.
The match 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 shown on Sky Sports. As the tournament reaches its climax, the storylines extend beyond the court. Rybakina's breakthrough performance underscores the growing depth of women's tennis, while Sabalenka's pursuit of a historic three‑peat adds a layer of intrigue to her legacy.
Whether the final delivers a new champion or a continuation of Sabalenka's dominance, the US Open has once again provided a stage for drama, athletic excellence, and unforgettable moments that will be remembered in the annals of the sport.