Elena Rybakina, now ranked World No. 1, secured her spot in the US Open 2026 final after defeating Coco Gauff in a dramatic comeback at Flushing Meadows. Despite losing the first set 3-6, Rybakina bounced back to win the next two sets 6-4 each.
Rybakina entered the semi-final as the top-ranked player after winning her quarter-final match against Qinwen Zheng. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, making her one of the youngest players to reach the WTA’s summit.
The match began with Gauff dominating, winning the first set 6-3. The American had already shown her strength by defeating Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals and having won the 2023 US Open. However, Rybakina didn’t let this setback affect her. She fought back to level the match in the second set and then took the third set, completing her comeback.
This victory continues Rybakina’s impressive run at Grand Slam tournaments. Earlier this year, she won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles. Her next challenge will be facing defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula in another semi-final.
Sabalenka is aiming to win a historic third straight US Open title. If successful, she’ll join an elite group of players like Serena Williams, who last achieved this feat in 2014. This will also mark her fourth consecutive final appearance at Flushing Meadows.
The women’s singles final on Saturday will feature two top players: Rybakina, aiming for her third Grand Slam title, and Sabalenka, looking to extend her dominance in New York.