Elena Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the US Open semifinals Thursday, setting up a title clash with Aryna Sabalenka in what promises to be a blockbuster final.
The second-seeded Kazakh found herself in early trouble against the American crowd favorite, dropping the opening set as Gauff appeared to be riding the momentum from her impressive tournament run. But Rybakina steadied her game in the second set, breaking back to level the match before sealing the victory with a composed third-set performance.
The victory marks Rybakina's first US Open final appearance, adding to her growing collection of major achievements. The 27-year-old has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, and her comeback against Gauff demonstrated the mental fortitude that has made her one of the most dangerous players on tour.
For Gauff, the loss ends what had been an encouraging surge through the draw. The young American had been looking to build on her previous Grand Slam success and reach another major final, but Rybakina's power and precision proved too much in the crucial moments.
Awaiting Rybakina in Saturday's final is Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced after defeating Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal. The Belarusian is seeking to win her third consecutive US Open title, having claimed the championship in both 2024 and 2025.
Sabalenka's path to the final represents her fourth consecutive appearance in the US Open championship match, underlining her dominance at Flushing Meadows in recent years. However, she enters the final having recently lost her world No. 1 ranking, adding an extra layer of motivation to reclaim the top spot.
The final will pit two of the game's biggest hitters against each other. Rybakina's powerful baseline game and Sabalenka's aggressive style should produce an entertaining spectacle for tennis fans. Both players have shown excellent form throughout the tournament, setting up what could be one of the most competitive finals in recent memory.
For Rybakina, reaching the US Open final represents another step in her rise up the tennis hierarchy. Having already captured Wimbledon in 2022, she's now within one match of adding a second Grand Slam title to her resume and potentially claiming the world No. 1 ranking for the first time.
The championship match will take place Saturday, with both players knowing that a US Open title could significantly reshape the year-end rankings and set the tone heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season.
