Elena Rybakina Rallies to Beat Coco Gauff in US Open Semifinal 2026

Elena Rybakina produced a stunning comeback to beat Coco Gauff in the US Open semifinal, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first final at Flushing Meadows. The Kazakhstani star will now face Aryna Sabalenka in a blockbuster championship match.

Match Overview: Rybakina vs. Gauff

In a highly anticipated semifinal, Elena Rybakina overcame a slow start to defeat Coco Gauff and book her place in the US Open final. Gauff, backed by a raucous home crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, dominated the opening set with aggressive baseline play. However, Rybakina's resilience and serving prowess turned the match around.

First Set: Gauff's Dominance

Gauff came out firing, breaking Rybakina early and taking the first set 6-3. The American covered every inch of the court, while Rybakina struggled with her timing and unforced errors. The crowd's energy seemed to fuel Gauff, who looked poised to reach her second US Open final.

Second Set: Rybakina's Resurgence

Rybakina regrouped in the second set, finding her rhythm on serve and dictating points with her powerful groundstrokes. She broke Gauff midway through the set and held on to take it 6-4. The momentum had shifted, and Rybakina's confidence grew.

Third Set: A Battle of Wills

The decider was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks. Rybakina's experience in grand slam finals (she's a former Wimbledon champion) shone through as she stayed calm in the crucial moments. She secured the decisive break at 4-4 and served out the match to love, sealing a remarkable victory.

Key Statistics: Rybakina vs. Gauff

What This Means for Rybakina

This victory marks Rybakina's fourth career grand slam final and her second of 2023. She has now reached the final at three of the four majors, with her only missing piece being the French Open. A win over Sabalenka would give her two major titles in the same year, a significant achievement.

Key Takeaways

• Elena Rybakina showcased mental toughness by coming back from a set down.
• Coco Gauff's aggressive start wasn't enough to sustain against Rybakina's power.
• Rybakina's serve and baseline game improved as the match progressed.
• The final will feature two of the biggest hitters on tour: Rybakina and Sabalenka.

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