Elena Rybakina overturned a first-set deficit to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday, earning a place in the US Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The victory sets up another major test against Sabalenka for Rybakina, who has already displaced the Belarusian from the top of the world rankings simply by advancing to the semi-finals.
“I feel like I definitely need to step my game up, serve much better than today and stay aggressive,” Rybakina said of her looming clash with Sabalenka.
Gauff, seeking a return to the final where she beat Sabalenka to win the 2023 title, made the stronger start. The American broke for a 4-2 advantage and consolidated it by holding to love, moving within one game of the opening set.
She completed the job in the ninth game, securing the set and putting Rybakina under early pressure.
The momentum shifted quickly in the second. Rybakina secured an early break to move 3-1 ahead and extended her advantage by holding for 4-1.
Gauff refused to let the set slip away. She broke back for 4-3 and then held serve to level at 4-4, putting the pressure back on her opponent.
But Rybakina regained control in the closing stages of their US Open semifinal clash.
Gauff double-faulted in the 10th game to give Rybakina two set points at 15-40, and the Kazakh took the opportunity to force a decider.
The third set again turned into a battle of momentum.
Rybakina broke to move 5-3 ahead and put herself one game from victory. Gauff answered immediately, breaking back to cut the deficit to 5-4 and restore her chance of completing another comeback.
That opening proved fleeting. Rybakina produced a deft volley to earn two match points at 15-40, and Gauff then sent an open smash long, ending the contest.
“It was such a cool third set — I feel like I was a little bit lucky on her serve,” Rybakina said. “A couple of deep returns, one mistake from her, it went quickly my way…it was a real battle.”
With AFP Inputs
