Elena Rybakina Fights Back to Defeat Coco Gauff and Reach US Open Final
Elena Rybakina has booked her place in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final after producing an impressive comeback against American star Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a tense semifinal that lasted three sets.
Gauff made the stronger start and quickly established control of the match, taking advantage of mistakes from Rybakina to claim the first set 6-3. The American appeared to have the momentum and had the home crowd firmly behind her.
However, Rybakina responded strongly in the second set. The Kazakhstani player improved her serving, became more aggressive and began putting greater pressure on Gauff’s forehand. That change in approach helped her level the contest by winning the second set 6-4.
The deciding set remained competitive, with both players fighting for every important point. Gauff attempted to mount another comeback, but Rybakina maintained her composure during the crucial stages and eventually closed out the match 6-4.
The victory sends Rybakina into her first US Open final and gives her an opportunity to win another Grand Slam title. She had never previously progressed beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
The result also confirms Rybakina’s rise to the world No. 1 ranking. She will replace Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the WTA rankings after the tournament.
Gauff’s defeat ends her hopes of winning a second US Open championship. The American had reached the semifinal after another dramatic comeback against Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.
Rybakina will now face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka reached the championship match earlier by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
The final promises to be another major showdown between two of the leading players in women’s tennis. Sabalenka is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, while Rybakina will be looking to add another Grand Slam trophy to her collection.
The championship match will also be significant for the world rankings, with Rybakina guaranteed to become the new No. 1 regardless of the final result.
