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NEW YORK, September 11, 2026 — Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling semifinal at the 2026 U.S. Open, securing her place in the women’s singles final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
The victory marks a major milestone for Rybakina, who will compete in her first U.S. Open final. The Kazakh player recovered impressively after losing the opening set and eventually took control of the match with her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game.
Rybakina Overcomes Slow Start Against Gauff
Gauff made the stronger start on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking the opening set 6-3 and putting pressure on Rybakina from the baseline.
However, Rybakina responded in the second set. She improved her serving rhythm and increasingly targeted Gauff’s forehand, forcing the American into a series of unforced errors.
Rybakina eventually levelled the match by taking the second set 6-4 before maintaining her momentum in the decider.
In the third set, Gauff attempted to fight back and produced a late break, but Rybakina remained composed under pressure and closed out the match 6-4.
Rybakina Reaches First U.S. Open Final
The victory gives Rybakina another opportunity to add a Grand Slam title to her collection.
The 27-year-old has already won two major championships, including the 2022 Wimbledon title and the 2026 Australian Open. Her run in New York now gives her a chance to claim a third Grand Slam crown.
Her performance also continues a remarkable rise in the women’s game. Earlier in the tournament, Rybakina secured the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka Awaits in the U.S. Open Final
Rybakina will face a formidable opponent in the final after Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Sabalenka produced 29 winners and seven aces during her victory and advanced to her fourth consecutive U.S. Open final. The Belarusian is also chasing a third straight title at Flushing Meadows.
The final will therefore feature two of the most powerful players in women’s tennis, with Sabalenka’s explosive baseline game set to clash with Rybakina’s huge serve and clean ball-striking.
Rybakina vs Sabalenka: Another Major Showdown
The U.S. Open final will add another chapter to the growing rivalry between Rybakina and Sabalenka.
The two players have already met in major finals, including the 2026 Australian Open final, where Rybakina prevailed in three sets. They also faced each other in the Indian Wells final earlier this year.
Their contrasting styles should make the championship match particularly intriguing. Rybakina relies heavily on her serve, first-strike tennis and ability to finish points quickly, while Sabalenka combines tremendous power with increasingly consistent baseline play.
No American Woman in the U.S. Open Final
Gauff’s semifinal defeat also means there will be no American woman in the 2026 U.S. Open singles final.
Gauff and Pegula were the last two American hopes in the women’s draw, but both were eliminated in the semifinals. It is the first year since 2006 that no American woman has reached a Grand Slam singles final.
For Gauff, the loss ends a strong campaign in New York, but the defeat also highlights the growing strength of the international field at the top of women’s tennis.
U.S. Open Final Promises a Blockbuster Battle
The Rybakina-Sabalenka final brings together the player who has just taken over the world No. 1 ranking and the defending U.S. Open champion.
Sabalenka will be aiming to make history by winning her third consecutive title in New York, while Rybakina will attempt to add another Grand Slam trophy to her collection.
With both players possessing powerful serves and aggressive games, the 2026 U.S. Open women’s final is shaping up as one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
