Rybakina overcomes challenges to reach the US Open final, ending a 20-year streak for American tennis

(US Open outcome) - Elena Rybakini beat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to make her first US Open final. The tennis player who will undoubtedly claim the world number one ranking will face Aryna Sabalenka for the title.

Elena Rybakina moves one step closer to her third career Grand Slam title after a comeback victory over Coco Gauff in the 2026 US Open semifinals. The player representing Kazakhstan overcame both her opponent and the pressure from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to secure a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win.

Gauff started the match with passionate home support, including former US First Lady Michelle Obama in the stands. The 22-year-old's relentless movement and defensive skills prevented Rybakina from easily imposing her preferred attacking style.

The American player consistently drew her opponent into long rallies, forcing Rybakina out of favorable positions and waiting for mistakes. Gauff secured a break in the sixth game and maintained her advantage to take the first set 6-3.

"I felt I started quite well. The first set was decided by just one break, but of course there was tension," Rybakina shared after the match.

According to the Kazakh player, the toughest aspect of facing Gauff is her defensive ability and the way she varies the pace during long rallies. Instead of continuing to rush, Rybakina tried to stay calm, encouraged herself, and patiently looked for opportunities to bring the match back into balance.

This adjustment began to pay off in the second set. Rybakina reduced her unforced errors while capitalizing on Gauff's inaccurate shots to win 6-4. That result pushed the semifinal into a deciding set and significantly dampened the excitement in the Arthur Ashe stands.

In the third set, the power of her serves and baseline shots helped Rybakina gradually take control. While the Kazakh player frequently wrapped up her service games quickly, Gauff had to constantly struggle to defend.

The turning point came with the score at 4-3. Two powerful backhand shots put pressure on Gauff, who then hit a forehand out and sent a ball into the net. The crucial break gave the 27-year-old the chance to close out the match.

Gauff did not give up. Her excellent defensive skills helped her break back and keep hope alive for the American crowd. However, Rybakina did not let regret affect the next game. She continued to attack persistently, endured a long rally, then hit a lob that forced Gauff to retreat. The American's smash going out ended the match after three tense sets.

The victory sends Rybakina to the US Open final for the first time. Regardless of the final result, she is guaranteed to surpass Sabalenka and claim the world number one spot when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday.