Rybakina beats Gauff to reach US Open final against Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina fought back from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the US Open final, ending the American's run in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The incoming world No. 1 recovered from losing the opening set to produce a composed response, eventually breaking Gauff late in the deciding set to secure victory.

Rybakina will now face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final, setting up a meeting between two of the biggest hitters in women's tennis. Sabalenka had earlier defeated American fourth seed Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2, moving within one victory of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win the US Open three years in a row.

Gauff takes early control

Gauff made an ideal start in front of a passionate New York crowd, absorbing Rybakina's power and forcing the Kazakh into errors. The American eventually found the breakthrough in the sixth game, earning the first break of the match before closing out the opening set 6-3.

Among those watching from the stands was former US first lady Michelle Obama, adding to the occasion for the home favourite. Rybakina, however, remained composed despite losing the opening set.

“Of course there were nerves,” she said afterwards. “Coco is a great player. It's always tough to play her.”

The Kazakh began to find greater control in the rallies as the match progressed, particularly when using her powerful serve and groundstrokes to prevent Gauff from dictating play.

Rybakina turns the match around

The second set proved to be the turning point. Gauff's level dipped at crucial moments, allowing Rybakina to capitalise and level the contest at one set apiece.

The momentum had shifted. Rather than allowing the crowd to dictate the atmosphere, Rybakina continued to play aggressively and forced Gauff to defend against sustained pressure.

“I took a deep breath, tried to talk positive with myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis,” Rybakina said.

Her ability to remain composed under pressure ultimately proved decisive.

Rybakina breaks Gauff late to seal final place

The deciding set remained competitive, but Rybakina gradually established control. She broke Gauff to move 5-3 ahead and appeared to be closing in on victory.

Gauff immediately responded by breaking back, briefly reigniting the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and giving the American another opportunity to extend the contest.

But Rybakina refused to panic. She broke Gauff once again when the American was unable to hold serve, finally closing out the match 6-4 in the deciding set. The victory sends Rybakina into her first US Open final and gives her a chance to add another major title to the Australian Open crown she won earlier this season.

Gauff left to reflect after another deep run

For Gauff, the defeat ends a strong run at the tournament but leaves the 2023 champion disappointed at another missed opportunity. The American had fought back from two match points against Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals to reach the last four, but could not produce another comeback against Rybakina.

Gauff acknowledged that the loss hurt despite the progress she has made throughout the summer.

“My dad came up to me and was like, you accomplished so many great things this summer, and I'm like, I don't care about the summer,” Gauff said.

“But, I mean, it's the goal. I want to be a consistent player. I want to give myself as many opportunities to lift a trophy.”

She added that the defeat would ultimately provide another learning experience as she continues to compete for major titles.

Rybakina vs Sabalenka set for blockbuster final

Rybakina's reward is a final against Sabalenka, who remains one victory away from an extraordinary achievement in New York. The Belarusian has won the last two US Open titles and will attempt to complete a hat-trick against a Rybakina who enters the final as the new world No. 1.

Sabalenka's 7-5, 6-2 victory over Pegula earlier in the evening ensured that both finalists arrive in excellent form.

The final therefore promises a contest between two players renowned for their power, aggressive baseline tennis and ability to dominate opponents with their first strike.

For Rybakina, victory would deliver a third Grand Slam title. For Sabalenka, it would create a place in US Open history. And after silencing a partisan crowd to eliminate Gauff, Rybakina now has one more major challenge standing between her and another Grand Slam trophy.

SportsLigue