Rybakina Advances to US Open Final to Face Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina has secured her place in the US Open final after a hard-fought victory over Coco Gauff, setting the stage for a marquee clash against Aryna Sabalenka. The win not only marks Rybakina’s first advance beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows but also positions her to end Sabalenka’s 99-week reign as world number one when the rankings are updated on Monday.

Playing as the second seed, Rybakina overturned an early deficit to beat the American fourth seed 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, silencing the home crowd in the process. The 27-year-old is now pursuing her third Grand Slam title, having previously won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open final against Sabalenka earlier this year.

“I took a deep breath and just told myself I needed to fight and show good tennis,” Rybakina said following the match. Her triumph ensures that the top two seeds will meet in the final for the first time at the US Open since Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

Sabalenka, the top seed, also progressed to the final by overpowering fellow American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2. The victory extends her remarkable run on hard courts, making her the first player, male or female, to reach eight consecutive Grand Slam hard-court finals. She has not lost a match in New York since her final defeat to Gauff in 2023.

The Belarusian had faced questions regarding her form following a quarter-final exit at Roland Garros and a fourth-round removal at Wimbledon, but she has regained her momentum by dropping only one set throughout this tournament. Describing her semifinal performance as her “best match of the year,” Sabalenka expressed her determination to secure a third consecutive New York title.

Pegula, the only semi-finalist without a major singles trophy, fell short once again against her long-time rival. Despite the loss, she acknowledged Sabalenka’s dominance, stating, “I do think she probably would have beaten 99% of people.”