Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff in three sets to reach her first US Open final, where she will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
NEW YORK – Web: Elena Rybakina reached her first US Open final after coming from a set down to defeat American Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a hard-fought semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The victory puts Rybakina into Saturday’s championship match against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
Rybakina fights back against Gauff
Gauff made the stronger start and took the opening set 6-3. Rybakina, however, settled into the match and responded by winning the second set 6-4.
The Kazakh player maintained her composure in the deciding set and eventually secured another 6-4 victory to complete the comeback.
The result gives Rybakina her first appearance in a US Open final and keeps her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title alive.
Sabalenka awaits in the final
Rybakina will face two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final.
Sabalenka booked her place in the championship match with a convincing 7-5, 6-2 victory over Jessica Pegula. The Belarusian has now reached the US Open final for a fourth consecutive year and is attempting to win the tournament for a third straight time.
The final will also feature the women’s new world No. 1. Rybakina secured the top ranking after reaching the semifinals, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week run at No. 1.
No American player in women’s final
Gauff’s defeat means there will be no American woman in the US Open singles final this year.
It is the first time since 2006 that no American woman has reached a Grand Slam women’s singles final, according to Reuters.
The Rybakina-Sabalenka final now promises a clash between two of the leading players in women’s tennis, with Rybakina seeking her first US Open title and Sabalenka aiming to extend her dominance at Flushing Meadows.
