US Open 2026: Coco Gauff Speaks After Semifinal Loss to Elena Rybakina

Coco Gauff admitted she was struggling to look beyond her US Open semifinal defeat after Elena Rybakina ended her title hopes at Flushing Meadows on Thursday. Coco Gauff speaks after the semifinal loss came after the American fell 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 despite taking the opening set.

The defeat marked Gauff's second successive Grand Slam semifinal loss. She had previously been beaten by Karolina Muchova at Wimbledon, while her US Open exit also ended a strong run of form that included a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati.

Gauff had also reached the semifinals in Toronto following her Wimbledon campaign before arriving in New York. The 22-year-old, however, said those achievements offered little consolation immediately after her defeat to Rybakina.

Her father, Corey Gauff, attempted to put the result into perspective by reminding her of what she had accomplished during the summer. The two-time Grand Slam champion said she was not ready to focus on those positives.

“Right now it sucks. My dad came up and was like ‘You accomplished so many great things this summer.’ I’m like, 'I don’t care about the summer,'" Gauff said.

Gauff Remains Focused on US Open Title

Winning the US Open remains a major objective for Gauff, who has previously lifted the trophy in New York. Despite another semifinal appearance, she believes the result will only matter if she eventually gives herself a chance to win the title.

"Right now that’s where my head is at. It’s the goal. I want to be a consistent player. I want to give myself as many opportunities to lift the trophy. But yeah it hurts. It’s all great, but I think the competitor in me..." the American tennis star added.

Gauff also acknowledged that another deep run could provide valuable experience as she continues to compete for major titles.

"This is the tournament I want to perform at. I did perform, but this is the one where you want to come out with the win. But it’s definitely a learning experience. I hope to continue to keep putting myself in positions to hopefully win.”

Gauff will now look to build on another Grand Slam run as she targets greater consistency in the latter stages of major tournaments.