Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first US Open final. She will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s championship match. Sabalenka reached the final after beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the other semifinal. The final will bring together two of women’s tennis’ biggest stars and a familiar 2026 rivalry. Rybakina will also officially become the new world No. 1 when the rankings are updated on Monday.How Rybakina Reached FinalElena Rybakina fought back after losing the opening set to Coco Gauff and produced a strong finish to win their US Open semifinal. The Kazakh player improved her level as the match progressed and handled the pressure better in the final two sets. Gauff made several important errors while trying to stay in the contest, allowing Rybakina to take control.Rybakina’s victory means she will play her first US Open final on Saturday. She has already won the Australian Open this year and now has a chance to add another Grand Slam title. Her opponent will be Aryna Sabalenka, who is aiming to win the US Open for a third consecutive year.Rybakina defeated Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.It is Rybakina’s first US Open final.Sabalenka defeated Pegula 7-5, 6-2.Sabalenka reached her fourth straight US Open final.Rybakina will become world No. 1 after the tournament.Rybakina’s Strong 2026 SeasonRybakina entered the US Open as the No. 2 seed and had already enjoyed a major breakthrough earlier this season. She defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to claim her second Grand Slam title.The two players met again in the Indian Wells final in March. This time, Sabalenka won a deciding-set tiebreak after the players split the first two sets. They then met in the Miami semifinals, where Sabalenka won in straight sets. Their repeated meetings have made the rivalry one of the most closely watched matchups in women’s tennis.Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Denied World Championships Trials Entry By Delhi High Court Final Sets Up Major RivalryThe US Open final will give Rybakina another opportunity against Sabalenka after their three meetings earlier this year. Sabalenka enters the match as the defending champion and is two wins away from completing a rare three-peat at Flushing Meadows.For Rybakina, the match carries a different milestone. She has already secured the No. 1 ranking and will become the 30th woman to reach the top of the WTA rankings. The championship will therefore be decided independently of the ranking battle, with both players chasing the final Grand Slam trophy of 2026.Key HighlightsElena Rybakina beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.Rybakina reached her first US Open final.Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.Sabalenka is targeting her third consecutive US Open title.Rybakina will become the new WTA world No. 1.The final is scheduled for Saturday, September 12.Rybakina vs Sabalenka FinalThe US Open women’s singles final is now set, with Elena Rybakina taking on Aryna Sabalenka in another major chapter of their growing rivalry. Rybakina arrives after overcoming Gauff, while Sabalenka enters after a convincing win over Pegula.The matchup brings together the new world No. 1 and the defending US Open champion. It also gives both players a chance to finish the Grand Slam season with another major title. Their previous battles this year suggest the final could be another closely contested meeting.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to provide news information based on verified reports.
