September 11, 2026
Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff US Open Semifinal Match Highlights
Elena Rybakina produced a strong comeback against Coco Gauff to reach the 2026 US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The second-seeded Rybakina recovered after losing the opening set 3-6, then won the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to complete a three-set victory. The result sends the Kazakhstani into her first US Open final, where she will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff made the better start and looked comfortable during the opening set. Rybakina gradually found her rhythm, however, and her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game began to change the momentum.
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Detail |
Match Information |
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Tournament |
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Round |
Semifinal |
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Match |
Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff |
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Venue |
Arthur Ashe Stadium |
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Result |
Elena Rybakina won 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
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Rybakina Seed |
No. 2 |
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Gauff Seed |
No. 4 |
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Winner |
Elena Rybakina |
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Next Round |
Final vs Aryna Sabalenka |
Gauff Takes the First Set
Coco Gauff started the match with confidence and quickly put pressure on Rybakina.
The American used her movement and consistency from the baseline to force Rybakina into difficult rallies. Rybakina struggled to find her best level early, while Gauff took advantage of the Kazakhstani's errors.
Gauff maintained control through the middle stages and secured the opening set 6-3.
The result left Rybakina needing to win two consecutive sets to keep her hopes of reaching the final alive.
Rybakina Responds
Rybakina changed the momentum at the start of the second set.
The No. 2 seed became more aggressive from the baseline and began finding greater success with her serve and groundstrokes. Gauff was pushed further behind the baseline as Rybakina looked to finish points earlier.
Rybakina built a 4-1 advantage before Gauff attempted to fight her way back into the set.
The American managed to put pressure on Rybakina, but the Kazakhstani stayed composed during the crucial games. Gauff also struggled with errors from her forehand side as Rybakina continued attacking.
Rybakina closed out the second set 6-4 to level the match.
Rybakina Wins the Decider
The deciding set was closely contested, with both players producing high-quality tennis.
Rybakina's serve became increasingly important as the match moved toward its conclusion. She continued looking for opportunities to attack Gauff's second serve and dictate rallies with her powerful groundstrokes.
The decisive break eventually came at 4-3, putting Rybakina within one game of victory.
Gauff refused to surrender. She broke back when Rybakina served for the match, giving herself another chance at 4-5.
Rybakina responded immediately, producing aggressive tennis in the final game and earning another opportunity to close out the semifinal.
She took it this time, winning the third set 6-4 and completing the comeback.
Rybakina Reaches First US Open Final
The victory sends Rybakina into her first US Open final and gives her another chance to add a major title to her collection.
The Kazakhstani has already enjoyed a successful 2026 season and will now meet Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match.
Sabalenka reached the final after defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets. The matchup sets up a meeting between two of the leading players in the women's game.
For Rybakina, the victory also confirms her rise to the world No. 1 ranking.
Gauff's Run Ends in Semifinal
Gauff's tournament ends in the last four after another strong showing in New York.
The fourth seed had battled through a difficult quarterfinal and entered the semifinal with momentum. She took the opening set against Rybakina but could not maintain her advantage once her opponent found greater consistency.
Gauff will still leave the tournament with another deep Grand Slam run, while Rybakina moves on to the biggest match of her US Open campaign.
Rybakina vs Gauff Match Highlights
- Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
- Gauff won the opening set 6-3.
- Rybakina levelled the match by winning the second set 6-4.
- Rybakina secured the decisive break at 4-3 in the final set.
- Gauff broke back while Rybakina served for the match.
- Rybakina immediately recovered and closed out the semifinal.
- Rybakina reached her first US Open final.
- The Kazakhstani secured the world No. 1 ranking.
- Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
- Gauff's US Open campaign ends in the semifinal.
Elena Rybakina showed her composure to recover from a slow start and defeat Coco Gauff in three sets. After losing the opening set, she raised her level, controlled the crucial points and held her nerve in the final stages. The victory puts Rybakina into her first US Open final, where she will face Sabalenka for the championship.