Rybakina reaches US Open final after overcoming Gauff
Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff and set up a final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina has reached the US Open women’s singles final after defeating Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a semi-final that turned on the Kazakhstani player’s recovery after losing the opening set.
Gauff took control early, but errors on serve and the forehand allowed Rybakina to level the match. Rybakina then secured a decisive break in the third set to move 5-3 ahead before closing out the match.
Aryna Sabalenka had earlier defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth consecutive US Open final. The defending champion is pursuing a third successive title.
The final will bring together the current and former world No. 1 players, with the match expected to have implications for the top ranking. Yahoo Sports reported that Sabalenka has won 19 consecutive matches at the US Open.
Pegula, the third seed, was also beaten by Sabalenka in the 2024 final. Michelle Obama was reported to have attended Gauff’s semi-final.
