US Open 2026 Results: Elena Rybakina vs. Aryna Sabalenka Final
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Elena Rybakina is through to the US Open final, setting up a highly anticipated clash with top seed Aryna Sabalenka. Here’s how it unfolded:
Rybakina sets up blockbuster Sabalenka final
By Emily Salley, BBC Sport journalist
Soon-to-be world number one Elena Rybakina produced a remarkable comeback against Coco Gauff to reach the US Open final, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka.
Key Takeaways:
- Rybakina, guaranteed to become world number one on Monday, beat Gauff 3-6 6-4 6-4.
- She will face Sabalenka in a showdown between the tournament’s top two seeds.
- Sabalenka, looking to win her third US Open title in a row, defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2.
Match Details:
Rybakina, the Kazakh second seed, had never previously advanced past the fourth round at the US Open. She will now face Sabalenka, who has dominated the hard courts this year with eight successive Grand Slam finals appearances (and counting).
Sabalenka’s Road to the Final:
- Overpowered Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 in the semi-finals, sending a warning to her rivals.
- Has not lost in New York since 2023, when Gauff denied her a third successive title.
- First player (male or female) to reach eight consecutive hard-court Grand Slam finals.
Rybakina’s Fightback:
- Lost the first set 3-6 but fought back to win the next two 6-4 6-4.
- "I took a deep breath and just told myself I needed to fight and show good tennis," she said.
This final will be a battle between two of the world’s best players, with Rybakina aiming to dethrone Sabalenka as number one and the Belarusian seeking her third consecutive US Open title.
