Rybakina beats Gauff to set up US Open final against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in New York on 10 September 2026, reaching her first US Open final and setting up a title match against Aryna Sabalenka.

The second seed overturned Gauff’s early advantage at Arthur Ashe Stadium as her groundstrokes and serve improved over the final two sets, according to The Guardian’s match report. Gauff took the opening set, but Rybakina moved 4-1 ahead in the second before eventually levelling the match.

The deciding set remained contested to the finish. Rybakina broke for a 5-3 lead, only for Gauff to break back when the Kazakhstani served for the match. Rybakina responded by winning the next return game to secure the victory.

Sabalenka advanced from the other semifinal by defeating Jessica Pegula. The result sets up another major final between Sabalenka and Rybakina, following their Australian Open title match earlier in 2026, which Rybakina won.

For Rybakina, the US Open run also carries significance beyond the final. She had already secured the forthcoming world No. 1 ranking by beating Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals, an achievement confirmed by the tournament’s official website. The semifinal victory keeps her in contention for a second Grand Slam title this season.