Coco Gauff bounced from US Open by new world No.1 Elena Rybakina, who will face Aryna Sabalenka in final

Coco Gauff bounced from US Open as Rybakina reaches final

Earthguardiansonline.com – Coco Gauff bounced from US Open after Elena Rybakina recovered from a first-set loss to beat the American in a gripping women’s semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s championship match.

The second-seeded Rybakina, who is set to become world No. 1, defeated fourth seed Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in front of a heavily pro-Gauff New York crowd. The Russian-born Kazakhstani will play her first US Open final and pursue the third grand slam title of her career.

Gauff begins strongly before Rybakina responds

Gauff arrived on an 11-match winning streak and played a commanding opening set. She did not face a break point, lost only four points behind her first serve and took the set 6-3 as Rybakina made 18 unforced errors.

With Michelle Obama among the spectators, the home support was firmly behind Gauff. But Rybakina shifted the match early in the second set, racing to a 4-1 lead with more assertive baseline tennis.

Gauff fought back to level the set at 4-4, drawing another loud reaction from the stands. Rybakina steadied herself, though, winning the next two games to force a deciding set.

Rybakina holds firm in the deciding set

The semifinal was level at 3-3 in the third before Rybakina won two consecutive games to move ahead 5-3. Gauff broke back to make it 5-4, giving the crowd renewed hope.

Rybakina closed out the match in the next game when Gauff sent an overhead beyond the court. Coco Gauff bounced from US Open, while Rybakina completed a resilient turnaround in one of the tournament’s biggest matches.

“I know you guys wanted Coco to win,” Rybakina said after the victory.

Rybakina also praised Gauff’s game and explained how she stayed composed under pressure.

“Coco, she’s a great player. It’s always tough to play against her,” Rybakina said. “Took a deep breath. Was trying to talk positive to myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis.”

Sabalenka extends her US Open run

Sabalenka advanced earlier Thursday with a 7-5, 6-2 win over third seed Jessica Pegula. The Belarusian has now reached her fourth consecutive US Open final and extended her tournament winning streak to 19 matches.

Pegula kept the opening set close, but Sabalenka secured the decisive break to avoid a tiebreak. Sabalenka then moved ahead 4-1 in the second set and finished the match with a powerful forehand Pegula could not return.

The 28-year-old is chasing a third straight US Open title after winning in 2024 and 2025. She lost the 2023 final to Gauff, and another victory in New York would make Sabalenka only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive titles at the event, joining Serena Williams and Chris Evert.

“Last time I played Jessica, it was almost impossible to get the win, so I am super happy to play such tennis in front of you all,” Sabalenka said.

US Open final FAQ

When is the women’s final?

Rybakina and Sabalenka are scheduled to play for the US Open title on Saturday in New York.

Who will play in the final?

Elena Rybakina will meet Aryna Sabalenka after their semifinal victories over Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, respectively.

What happened to Coco Gauff?

Coco Gauff bounced from US Open after winning the first set but losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Rybakina in the semifinals.