Rybakina's Stunning Comeback! Elena Fights Back to Beat Gauff and Reach US Open Final
Elena Rybakina has reached the US Open 2026 final. The Kazakh star produced a remarkable comeback against Coco Gauff, recovering from a set down to win 3–6, 6–4, 6–4 and book her place in the championship match.
Gauff made the stronger start and took the opening set 6–3, but Rybakina gradually turned the match around. The 2022 Wimbledon champion won the next two sets by identical 6–4 margins to complete a stunning comeback on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Gauff Takes Control in the First Set
Coco Gauff started the semifinal with confidence and quickly established herself in the contest. The American used her movement and consistency to make life difficult for Rybakina while refusing to give the Kazakh an easy rhythm.
Rybakina was unable to find enough consistency on her first serve and groundstrokes during the opening set, allowing Gauff to take advantage of the important moments.
Gauff eventually secured the first set 6–3, putting herself just one set away from another US Open final.
Rybakina Responds in the Second
Rybakina needed an immediate response, and she found it in the second set.
The Kazakh began striking the ball with greater authority and put more pressure on Gauff's service games. Her powerful first serve and aggressive baseline play started to dictate longer stretches of the match.
Gauff continued to fight, but Rybakina held her nerve in the key moments and levelled the semifinal by taking the second set 6–4.
Rybakina Completes the Comeback
The deciding set produced another tense battle as both players fought for a place in the US Open final.
Rybakina continued to rely on her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, while Gauff tried to extend rallies and force errors from her opponent.
The pressure eventually told. Rybakina maintained her composure during the crucial stages and closed out the deciding set 6–4.
Rybakina Reaches Her First US Open Final
The victory sends Rybakina into her first US Open singles final, adding another major milestone to her career.
Rybakina had already made headlines earlier in the tournament by defeating Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals. She came back from a set down in that match as well, winning 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 to reach the last four.
She has now produced back-to-back comeback victories to reach the championship match at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff's US Open Run Ends in the Semifinal
For Gauff, the semifinal defeat ends another deep run at the tournament where she won her maiden Grand Slam title in 2023.
The American had fought through a difficult quarterfinal against Mirra Andreeva, saving two match points in the second-set tiebreak before eventually winning 2–6, 7–6(7), 6–2.
Gauff was unable to repeat that comeback against Rybakina, despite taking the opening set and putting the Kazakh under pressure early in the match.
Sabalenka vs Rybakina Final Set
Rybakina's victory sets up a blockbuster US Open 2026 women's singles final against Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka booked her place in the final by defeating Jessica Pegula 7–5, 6–2. The defending champion is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, while Rybakina will be playing for her first championship at Flushing Meadows.
The final therefore brings together two of the tournament's biggest hitters, with Sabalenka's power and experience at the US Open set to face Rybakina's serve and aggressive baseline game.