US Open: Rybakina Stuns Gauff, Sets Up Blockbuster No.1 vs No.2 Final Against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina produced a stunning comeback at the US Open, overcoming Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a fiercely contested semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach her maiden final in New York.

The Kazakh star, who secured the world No. 1 ranking by reaching the last four, appeared to be in trouble after Gauff claimed the opening set. But Rybakina raised her level, stayed composed under pressure and fought her way back to complete a three-set victory.

Gauff made the stronger start, breaking through Rybakina’s powerful game to take the first set 6-3. The American entered the semi-final with confidence after saving two match points against Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals, but Rybakina gradually turned the contest around.

Rybakina keeps her composure

The second set was tightly contested, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage. Rybakina eventually found the crucial opening and converted it to take the set 6-4, sending the match into a deciding set.

With momentum on her side, Rybakina continued to apply pressure in the third. She moved within touching distance of victory, but Gauff refused to go quietly and broke back while her opponent was serving for the match.

Rybakina immediately responded, however, producing her best tennis at the crucial moment to secure another break and close out the match 6-4.

Reflecting on the tense finish, Rybakina said she benefited from a few key points, including deep returns and an error from Gauff that helped swing the momentum in her favour.

The victory represents Rybakina’s best-ever US Open performance. After failing to advance beyond the fourth round in her previous seven appearances at Flushing Meadows, she has now reached the championship match following her Australian Open triumph earlier this year.

Rybakina vs Sabalenka in blockbuster final

Rybakina’s final opponent will be defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the other semi-final.

Sabalenka will now appear in her fourth consecutive US Open final and is one victory away from completing a historic hat-trick of titles in New York.

The final will also feature a fascinating battle between the newly crowned world No. 1 Rybakina and Sabalenka, the player she has replaced at the top of the rankings.

Both women are renowned for their explosive power and aggressive baseline games. While Rybakina will be chasing her first US Open title, Sabalenka will be looking to cement her dominance at Flushing Meadows with a third straight championship.

The stage is set for a heavyweight showdown between two of the biggest hitters in women’s tennis.