Incoming world No. 1 Elena Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 US Open final on Saturday, September 12, with a chance to win her second Grand Slam title of the year.
Rybakina reached the final after overcoming Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Despite strong support from the home crowd at Flushing Meadows, Gauff could not maintain her momentum after taking the opening set. Rybakina now faces defending champion Sabalenka, who is bidding for a third consecutive US Open title.
Speaking after her semi-final victory, Rybakina acknowledged that she will need to raise her level to beat Sabalenka and claim the title.
“She’s-Sabalenka- an unbelievable player, she played really well today, so I definitely need to step up my game. I must serve better than I did today and stay aggressive.”
“I felt in the first set that it was a very good start and it was one break, but of course, there are nerves” Rybakina said.
Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in her semifinal match.
