Rybakina sets up blockbuster Sabalenka final at US Open

Elena Rybakina triumphed over Coco Gauff to secure a spot in the US Open final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with current world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina's victory guarantees her to replace Sabalenka at the top of the rankings, which will be updated on Monday. However, the Kazakh player could potentially end Sabalenka's 99-week reign as the world's top-ranked female tennis player if she wins the final.

Sabalenka showcased her dominance by eliminating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2, keeping her pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title alive. This victory also solidified her position as the first player, male or female, to reach eight successive hard-court Grand Slam finals. Sabalenka acknowledged that she was "super desperate" after a poor run-up to the tournament, but she managed to find her form and break through Pegula's defense.

Rybakina, meanwhile, fought back from a set down and a break in the final set to defeat Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. She expressed her determination to improve her game, serve better, and go for her shots in the final. The prospect of a final between the top two seeds is particularly exciting, given Rybakina's recent ascent to the top of the world rankings and her two major titles. The Kazakh player's only loss in three previous major finals was to Sabalenka in the 2023 Australian Open.