US Open news: Elena Rybakina sets up final clash vs. Aryna Sabalenka with comeback win over Coco Gauff

Elena Rybakina has reached her first US Open final after overcoming Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a three-set semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday. The 27-year-old Kazakh rallied from a set down to book a championship meeting with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Gauff took control early, using strong play from the back of the court to force errors from Rybakina. The American secured the only break of the opening set in the sixth game and converted the advantage into a 6-3 lead.

Rybakina responded in the second set by breaking early to move ahead 4-1. Gauff fought back to level the set at 4-4, but Rybakina regained the advantage with another break in the 10th game. She closed out the set 6-4 to force a deciding set.

The third set remained competitive, with Rybakina missing two break-point chances in the sixth game. She eventually created another opportunity in the eighth game and converted it to move 5-3 ahead. Gauff immediately fought back, earning her first break point of the set and using a backhand passing shot to break and bring the set back on serve.

Rybakina responded immediately, breaking Gauff again to finish the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 8 minutes. The win keeps her on course for a third Grand Slam title and comes one day after she secured the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.

RYBAKINA COMPLETES THE COMEBACK

Elena Rybakina defeats Coco Gauff to book her first-ever US Open final appearance!pic.twitter.com/P6qsZb3YHO

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 11, 2026

Sabalenka earned her place in the final earlier Thursday with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula. The two-time defending champion extended her US Open winning streak to 20 matches and reached her third consecutive final in New York.

Saturday’s championship match will be the third Grand Slam final between Rybakina and Sabalenka.