Second-seeded Elena Rybakina mounted a comeback from a set down to overcome American Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a tense US Open semi-final on September 6, 2024, securing her place in the championship match against defending titleholder Aryna Sabalenka and keeping alive her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title.
Gauff began the contest with aggressive tennis, applying sustained pressure from the baseline and drawing errors from her Kazakh opponent. The fourth-seeded American broke serve in the sixth game and claimed the opening set in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd that included former first lady Michelle Obama.
The momentum shifted decisively in the second set as Rybakina capitalised on unforced mistakes from Gauff. The 27-year-old levelled the match at one set apiece, quieting the previously vocal crowd in the process.
Rybakina seized control in the decider through her commanding groundstrokes and physical dominance. She broke to establish a 5-3 lead, appearing poised to close out victory. Gauff responded with a break of her own to briefly revive her chances, but the American's comeback attempt unravelled when she surrendered her serve once more, allowing Rybakina to clinch the match.
What awaits in the final?
Rybakina will face Sabalenka, who advanced to the championship match by dismantling Jessica Pegula in her semi-final. The final represents a significant opportunity for Rybakina to add to her Grand Slam collection and claim her first US Open title.
