Elena Rybakina recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach her first US Open final, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka.
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Key facts
- Rybakina beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the US Open semi-final.
- It is Rybakina's first US Open final.
- Aryna Sabalenka awaits in the final after beating Jessica Pegula.
- The match was played before a 22,000-strong crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Second seed Elena Rybakina came from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach her first US Open final, according to the Guardian. She will face Aryna Sabalenka in the title decider.
Gauff started strongly, taking the opening set as she covered every inch of the court in front of a 22,000-strong crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Guardian reported the audience was firmly behind the American as she blitzed through the first stanza.
During that opening set, Rybakina struggled to find her rhythm. The Guardian described the Kazakh as wild and erratic from the baseline, with her usually formidable serve failing to appear.
Rybakina steadied herself as the match wore on, taking the second and third sets by identical 6-4 scorelines. The Guardian highlighted her ability to problem-solve through a difficult day as a showcase of the underrated toughness behind her success.
Waiting in the final is Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the title match by beating Jessica Pegula, according to the Guardian.
The victory books Rybakina’s place in her first US Open final, marking a significant milestone in the second seed’s career.
Why it matters
Reaching a first US Open final is a landmark moment for Rybakina and sets up a marquee clash with Aryna Sabalenka. The result underscores the mental resilience that separates the sport's top players when matches turn against them.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the Rybakina v Gauff semi-final?
Elena Rybakina beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, coming from a set down.
Who will Rybakina play in the US Open final?
She will face Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the final by beating Jessica Pegula.
Is this Rybakina's first US Open final?
Yes, according to the Guardian this is Elena Rybakina's first US Open final.
Timeline
- Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka in US Open women’s singles final
Al Jazeera: The cool Kazakh lifts the trophy after frustrating Sabalenka in a 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 win in New York as the new world No 1.
- Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to seal dramatic US Open title triumph
The Guardian Sport: Rybakina wins 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 despite first-serve problems Overcomes top seed and two-time defending champion Even when long established as a grand slam champion and a conqueror of all surfaces, Elena Rybakina was always considered lesser than the most successful players of her era
- US Open LIVE! Sabalenka takes on Rybakina in blockbuster women's final
Sky Sports News:
- US Open LIVE! Rybakina leading Sabalenka in blockbuster women's final
Sky Sports News:
- US Open LIVE! Rybakina on top against frustrated Sabalenka in final
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- US Open final LIVE! Rybakina breaks Sabalenka early in deciding set
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- US Open final LIVE! Phenomenal Rybakina beats Sabalenka to win title
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- Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina: US Open 2026 women’s singles final – live
The Guardian Sport: Women’s final updates from 9pm BST Finalists resume epic rivalry after switch at No 1 | Email Katy After an A+++ women’s tournament, in which we’ve seen so many must-watch matches (take your pick between this , this , this , this or this ), captivating comebacks ( much respect to
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina live: US Open women’s singles final 2026
Al Jazeera: Follow our live build-up, predictions, head-to-head stats, scores, photos and commentary from the final in New York.
- US Open women’s singles final live: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina
Al Jazeera: Follow our live build-up, predictions, head-to-head stats, scores, photos and commentary from the final in New York.
- US Open scores: Sabalenka takes on Rybakina in the women's final from 9pm
Sky Sports News:
- Elena Rybakina rallies to beat Coco Gauff and book US Open final with Aryna Sabalenka
The Guardian Sport: Second seeded Kazakh comes from set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 Sabalenka awaits in title decider after blitzing Jessica Pegula One set may have already passed in her first US Open semi-final, but Elena Rybakina still had not arrived inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. While an inspired Co