SPORTS

Rybakina beats Gauff to book US Open final against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina rallies past Coco Gauff in a gripping US Open semifinal to set up a final clash with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka as she aims for a third Grand Slam title

By Reuters Published: 2026-09-11T09:01:00+04:00 1 min read
Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, prepares to toss balls out after she won her match against Coco Gauff, of the United States, during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, prepares to toss balls out after she won her match against Coco Gauff, of the United States, during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

NEW YORK: Elena Rybakina overpowered Coco Gauff 3-6 6-4 ‌6-4 in a fierce U.S. Open semi-final on Thursday to secure a title showdown with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and ⁠stay on course for a third Grand Slam crown.

Gauff absorbed relentless pressure and stayed strong ‌from the back to draw errors from the Kazakh, breaking in ‌the sixth game and taking ‌the opening set in ‌front of a ‌roaring crowd that included former first lady Michelle Obama.

Coco Gauff, of the United States, reacts during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Coco Gauff, of the United States, reacts during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Rybakina ‌capitalised on some sloppy play ⁠by the fourth-seeded American in the second set to level the match ⁠and ⁠silence the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Rybakina, 27, gained control with ⁠her power and broke to go 5-3 ahead in the decider. Gauff hit back with a break of her own but ‌her comeback bid faltered when she could not hold serve, as Rybakina broke to close out the win.

Coco Gauff, of the United States, left, greets Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, after Rybakina won their match during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)