In a thrilling semifinal at the U.S. Open in New York, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina showed why she is a serious contender for a historic three‑peat. After dropping the first set 3‑6, Rybakina rallied to win the next two sets 6‑4, 6‑4, defeating American favorite Coco Gauff and securing a place in the championship match.
Match Overview
Gauff started strong, firing four aces to Rybakina’s one and taking the opening set in just 38 minutes. Rybakina, who leads the WTA Tour in aces, regrouped, telling reporters she took a deep breath and focused on positive self‑talk. The second set saw Gauff briefly surge to a 4‑1 lead, but Rybakina answered back, leveling the set at 4‑4 before pulling ahead to win 6‑4.
In the decisive third set, Rybakina built a 5‑3 lead and served for the match. Gauff broke back, extending the contest, but Rybakina held her nerve, breaking again to close out the set and the match.
Implications for the Title
Rybakina’s victory sets up a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who dispatched Jessica Pegula 7‑5, 6‑2 in the other semifinal. Sabalenka has held the top ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, but a win over Rybakina would keep her at the summit, while a loss could see the Kazakhstani claim the No. 1 spot.
Rybakina entered the tournament as the Australian Open champion, having already beaten Sabalenka earlier in the season. A win in the final would make her the first player since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to capture three consecutive U.S. Open titles.
Player Reactions
Rybakina praised her resilience, saying, “I told myself to stay positive and fight for every point.” Gauff, who rallied from a set down, remained upbeat despite the loss, noting the crowd’s energy, including former First Lady Michelle Obama’s presence.
Sabalenka, reflecting on her own semifinal, said, “I wanted badly to go to the finals, and of course I want to go all the way.” She also acknowledged Rybakina’s strong play, adding that the Kazakhstani “took it over and played really well.”
Historical Context
This is the first time since 1975 that the top four seeds have all reached the women’s semifinals at the U.S. Open. The tournament also marks Sabalenka’s 19‑straight match winning streak at Flushing Meadows, a streak that began after her 2023 final loss to Gauff.
With the final set for Saturday, tennis fans nationwide will watch to see whether Rybakina can complete a three‑peat or if Sabalenka will defend her top ranking and add another major title to her résumé.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
