Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance in New York, silencing the home crowd and top‑seeded American Coco Gauff to secure a place in what promises to be a blockbuster US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The Kazakh star, who entered the semi‑final as the tournament's third seed, fought back from a set down to defeat the fan‑favorite Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, showcasing resilience, power and tactical acumen.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, had already wrapped up her own semi‑final earlier in the evening, dispatching Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to keep her dream of a third consecutive US Open title alive. Rybakina’s journey to the final was anything but straightforward. After dropping the opening set, she quickly found her rhythm in the second, exploiting a few unforced errors from Gauff and using her own aggressive baseline game to turn the tide.
The Kazakh’s serve, which had been under pressure early on, began to find its groove, and she broke Gauff’s serve to move ahead 5-3 in the deciding set. Although Gauff fought back with a break of her own, she could not sustain the momentum, and Rybakina sealed the match with a decisive break to close out the victory.
In the post‑match interview, Rybakina admitted that nerves were a factor but emphasized her mental approach. "Coco is a great player, and it’s always tough to face her. Even when her first serve falters, her second is so heavy it’s hard to dictate the rally. I took a deep breath, kept a positive mindset and reminded myself to fight and play good tennis," she explained.
Her composure under pressure proved vital, especially against a crowd that included former first lady Michelle Obama and a sea of enthusiastic American supporters. Gauff, who had been under relentless pressure from the start, managed to capture the first set by breaking in the sixth game and holding her nerve to claim the early lead.
She praised her father’s encouragement after the match, recalling his words: "You accomplished so many great things this summer," she said, before adding that she remains focused on becoming a consistent contender and seizing every opportunity to lift a trophy. "It hurts, but it’s a learning experience," Gauff reflected, underscoring her determination to keep pushing forward.
Sabalenka’s semi‑final against Pegula was a showcase of raw power and precision. 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, started strongly, saving an early break point with a crisp forehand winner.
However, a series of costly mistakes in the second set, combined with Sabalenka’s ability to hit unreturnable shots deep in Pegula’s court, ultimately tipped the balance. Sabalenka’s confidence was evident as she declared, "I feel confident, mentally and physically strong right now," a sentiment echoed by the cheering crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The significance of Sabalenka’s run cannot be overstated. Since 1988, she has become only the fifth world‑number‑one to reach five or more Grand Slam finals, joining legends such as Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.
With a 19‑match winning streak at the US Open and a career record of 36‑3 at the tournament over the past five years, she is on the cusp of a historic three‑peat. Her eighth consecutive hard‑court major final appearance highlights her dominance on this surface, and she has already logged seven top‑10 victories this season, including back‑to‑back wins at the US Open.
Pegula, now 32, continues to chase her first Grand Slam title. After her loss, she admitted the challenge of facing Sabalenka in peak form, saying, "She played insane, at a super‑high level.
I don’t know if there was much I could do today." Despite the disappointment, Pegula’s performance throughout the tournament has cemented her status as a formidable competitor on the tour. Looking ahead, the final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s fluid baseline play and strategic shot‑selection versus Sabalenka’s brute force and relentless attacking mindset. Both athletes have demonstrated an ability to adapt under pressure, and their meeting in the championship could produce one of the most memorable finals in recent US Open history.
Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. For those seeking a different experience, the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast on Sky Sports. The excitement surrounding the US Open continues to build, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting what could be a defining moment for both Rybakina and Sabalenka as they vie for the coveted title.