US Open: Rybakina Knocks Out Gauff, Books No.1 vs No.2 Final Showdown With Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina stormed into her first US Open final after battling back from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Gauff looked in control after taking the opening set 6-3, putting Rybakina under immediate pressure. But the Kazakh star responded with greater aggression and composure, turning the match around and winning the next two sets to complete an impressive comeback.

Rybakina had already secured the world No. 1 ranking by reaching the semi-finals, and she showed why she deserves the top spot when the pressure intensified. The 27-year-old kept her focus through two closely fought sets and found the decisive moments when they mattered most.

Rybakina turns the match around

Gauff started brightly and used her heavy second serve to disrupt Rybakina’s rhythm. The American took the first set 6-3 and appeared to have the upper hand. But Rybakina refused to panic. The second set remained competitive, with both players battling for every opening. Rybakina eventually created the breakthrough she needed and took the set 6-4 to level the match.

The deciding set was another tense affair. Rybakina moved within sight of victory, only for Gauff to fight back and break when the Kazakh was serving for the match. The world No. 1 immediately recovered, breaking back in the following game before serving out the contest to seal her place in the final.

Rybakina said the match was decided by small moments, including a few deep returns and an error from Gauff that helped shift the momentum in the third set.

The win marks Rybakina’s best performance at Flushing Meadows. She had never progressed beyond the fourth round in her previous seven US Open appearances. Now, after winning the Australian Open earlier this year, she has a chance to claim a second Grand Slam title of the season.

Sabalenka awaits in the final

Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match after the defending champion defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the other semi-final. Sabalenka has now reached the US Open final for the fourth consecutive year and is just one victory away from winning three straight titles in New York.

The final will also be a battle between the top two players in the world, with Rybakina taking over the No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka after reaching the semi-finals.

Both players possess huge serves and powerful groundstrokes, setting up a blockbuster clash. Rybakina will be chasing her first US Open crown, while Sabalenka will be aiming to make history with another championship at Flushing Meadows.