Rybakina defeats Gauff to set up US Open final against Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the US Open semifinals, securing a place in the championship match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina overcame a first-set loss to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Thursday's US Open women's semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory guarantees Rybakina a spot in the final against Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced after a straight-sets win over Jessica Pegula.
Gauff started strongly, taking the opening set 6-3 and out-serving Rybakina 4-1, but her performance declined in the subsequent sets, committing multiple unforced errors that allowed Rybakina to take control. Rybakina broke Gauff's serve in the second set and held her own serve to level the match, then secured a decisive break in the third set to close out the contest.
The win also ensures Rybakina will become the WTA world No. 1 on Monday, as she has fewer ranking points to defend than Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head record 10-7, but Rybakina has previously beaten her in the 2022 Wimbledon final, the 2023 Australian Open final, and the 2023 WTA Finals.
Rybakina will be making her first US Open final, while Sabalenka seeks her fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament's championship match.