Rybakina rallies to beat Gauff, book US Open final with Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina fought back from a set down to defeat Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the US Open Tennis Championships on Thursday, securing her spot in the women's singles final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. In the championship match, Rybakina aims to disrupt Sabalenka's momentum after knocking her out of the number one world ranking by reaching the semi-finals.

Rybakina acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in serving and staying aggressive. Gauff's quest to reclaim the final, her first since defeating Sabalenka in 2023, started well with her taking the first set lead 4-2. Rybakina responded strongly in the second set, breaking Gauff's serve early to take a 3-1 lead, which she held.

Gauff mounted a rally with a break, making the score 4-3, but ultimately failed to capitalize on her chances, double-faulting at 15-40 to give Rybakina two set points. Rybakina capitalized on that opportunity, winning the third set after Gauff also conceded a break. Gauff hit a wide smash long to concede the match. Rybakina attributed her victory to a few lucky deep returns and a single mistake from Gauff, describing it as a "real battle."