New York – The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric on Thursday as the US Open semi‑finals delivered a classic showdown. Elena Rybakina, the 27‑year‑old Kazakh, rallied from a set down to defeat American favorite Coco Gauff, 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, securing a place in the championship match against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff’s Strong Start
Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, began the match with aggressive baseline play, breaking Rybakina early and taking the opening set 6‑3. The crowd, which included former First Lady Michelle Obama, roared with each powerful rally, underscoring the national interest in the young American star.
Rybakina’s Turnaround
Rybakina responded in the second set, capitalising on a few unforced errors from Gauff. She broke serve to go up 3‑1, then held her own serve to level the match at 4‑4. A decisive break at 5‑3 gave her the set 6‑4 and shifted the momentum.
Decisive Third Set
In the final set, Rybakina displayed her trademark power, breaking Gauff to lead 5‑3. Gauff fought back with a break of her own, narrowing the gap to 5‑4, but she could not hold serve on the next game. Rybakina sealed the match with a final break, closing out the set 6‑4 and the match.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Rybakina’s victory sets up a highly anticipated final against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who captured the title last year. Both players have expressed confidence in their preparation and respect for each other’s game. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline style, will aim to defend her crown against a Rybakina who has shown resilience and power throughout the tournament.
Impact on the US Open Narrative
The semi‑final highlighted the depth of talent in women’s tennis and the growing global appeal of the sport. Rybakina’s comeback after dropping the first set demonstrates the competitive spirit that defines Grand Slam events. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the final approaches, anticipating a match that could shape the rankings for the remainder of the season.
With the US Open entering its final weekend, the tournament continues to draw worldwide attention, showcasing not only elite athleticism but also moments of shared national pride, as seen with high‑profile spectators like Michelle Obama supporting American athletes on the world stage.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
