New World No. 1 Elena Rybakina Knocks Out Coco Gauff To Reach 1st U.S. Open Final

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan celebrates match point in the Women’s Singles Semifinal match against Jessica Pegula of the United States during day 12 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

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Just one day after proclaiming herself the world No. 1, Elena Rybakina turned that triumph into reality.
The returner from a set down now faces a new challenge as she secures a dramatic victory over rising star Coco Gauff, 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, to advance to the U.S. Open final.
As the reigning Australian Open champion, Rybakina will finally lift the No. 1 ranking by beating her fellow semifinalist in the championship round.
“​I knew you all wanted Coco to win, and I thought it was really a battle, and it ultimately went my way,” Rybakina said on court. “I stayed focused, tried to remain aggressive, and won.”
No. 1 seed Sabalenka dominates the preceding playoff as the top seed crushes No. 3 Jessica Pegula 7‑5, 6‑2 – her 20th consecutive win at the U.S. Open. With a commanding head‑to‑head record of 10‑7 over the past clashes, Rybakina has cemented her dominance.
“She’s an incredible competitor and she played exceptionally well today,” Rybakina remarked about Sabalenka. “I need to step up my game, serve much better, start to serve smarter and just enjoy the experience.”
The men’s and women’s titles carry the highest prize money, with champions receiving $5.5 million and runners‑ups $2.8 million.

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During the critical third set, Gauff led 3‑4 after Rybakina seized a crucial early set, only to rally and secure a hard‑fought winner in the deciding set. The comeback gave Gauff the edge she needed for the final showdown.
On the first set, Rybakina broke Gauff at 5‑3 after a deep service return. In the second set, the contest swung to Sabalenka’s favor as she broke twice. Rybakina countered with a late backhand winner to force a three‑setter, but the match ended with Gauff prevailing 6‑4.
With the stage set for Rybakina’s historic climb, the focus shifts next to the men’s showcase: Ben Shelton meets franchise phenom Frances Tiafoe in Friday night’s all‑American semifinal.

Both champions and runners‑up will walk away with a share of the $5.5 million purse, while seconds finish with $2.8 million.

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During the climactic final match, Gauff fought back from the brink, surviving a tough opening and holding onto a lead to capture the U.S. Open crown. Her relentless aggression paid dividends as she edged Rybakina 6‑4 in the deciding set.

The victorious Russian stands poised to defend her historic rank under the crowd’s roar, confirming once more her status as a dominant force on the professional circuit.

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