Elena Rybakina produced a composed comeback to defeat Coco Gauff and book her place in the US Open final, where she will face two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a high-stakes showdown between the world’s top two players. The Kazakh second seed recovered from a set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, silencing a passionate New York crowd and securing her first appearance in the Flushing Meadows final.
Earlier in the evening, Sabalenka had powered past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth consecutive US Open final. The Belarusian is now one victory away from a historic three-peat, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014. The final is scheduled for Saturday and promises a compelling clash of power and precision.
Rybakina’s Resilience Shines Through
Rybakina began the semi-final under pressure. Gauff, backed by a vocal home crowd that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, broke early and claimed the opening set 6-3. The American’s solid baseline play and ability to absorb Rybakina’s heavy groundstrokes initially frustrated the 27-year-old.
Yet Rybakina, known for her calm demeanour and big-match temperament, steadily raised her level. She capitalised on a dip in Gauff’s accuracy during the second set, breaking serve and levelling the match at one set apiece. In the decider, Rybakina’s serve and aggressive returns proved decisive. She broke to lead 5-3, and although Gauff immediately broke back, the Kazakh recovered to break once more and close out the victory.
“I took a deep breath and just told myself I needed to fight and show good tennis,” Rybakina said afterwards. The win marked only her second career victory from a set down against a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam and underlined the mental growth she has shown throughout 2026.
Sabalenka Remains Unbeaten in New York
Sabalenka’s path to the final was more straightforward. After a competitive first set against Pegula, the world number one pulled away emphatically in the second. Her powerful serve and relentless baseline hitting left the American with few answers. Sabalenka has now won 20 consecutive matches at the US Open and has not lost in New York since the 2023 final against Gauff.
A victory on Saturday would give Sabalenka a fifth Grand Slam title overall and cement her status as one of the dominant hard-court players of her generation. However, she will lose the world number one ranking on Monday regardless of the result. Rybakina’s run to the final guarantees that the Kazakh will take over at the top after Sabalenka’s 99-week reign.
A Familiar Rivalry Reignited
The final will be a rematch of this year’s Australian Open title match, which Rybakina won in three tight sets. Their rivalry has defined much of the 2026 season, with both players trading victories in big finals. Rybakina also defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 WTA Finals, while Sabalenka has claimed several other hard-court titles against her rival.
This contest carries extra historical weight. It will be the first time the top two women’s seeds have met in a US Open final since Serena Williams beat Victoria Azarenka in 2013. It is also the first occasion since 1975 that all four top seeds reached the women’s semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.
Rybakina arrives seeking her third major title after triumphs at Wimbledon in 2022 and Melbourne earlier this year. She had never progressed beyond the fourth round at the US Open before this fortnight, making her breakthrough run all the more impressive.
What the Final Means for Both Players
For Rybakina, the opportunity is clear. A win would not only secure a third Grand Slam but also confirm her arrival as the new world number one with a major title to match. Her powerful serve, clean ball-striking and ability to stay composed under pressure have been consistent features of her best performances.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, will look to channel the same focus that has carried her through two successive title runs in New York. She has spoken of her desire to go all the way once more and will enter the final as the more experienced finalist at this venue.
The matchup offers contrasting styles within a shared commitment to aggressive tennis. Rybakina’s flatter, penetrating shots often disrupt Sabalenka’s higher-bouncing game, while Sabalenka’s raw power and improved variety have made her a formidable force on hard courts.
As the tennis world turns its attention to Saturday’s final, one fact is already settled: Elena Rybakina has set up a blockbuster confrontation with Aryna Sabalenka. The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to the women’s singles at the 2026 US Open, with ranking supremacy and major silverware both on the line.
