US Open Final Set: 2-1 and 2-0 Wins Send Home Favorites Out, Champion to Become World No. 1

The 2026 US Open women's singles semifinals have concluded, with two high-level matches producing completely different storylines. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina completed a three-set comeback after losing the opening set, defeating home favorite and No. 4 seed Coco Gauff to reach the US Open final for the first time in her career. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka displayed dominant form, defeating No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets, extending her US Open winning streak to 19 matches and reaching the US Open final for the fourth consecutive year, standing one victory away from a third straight title.

Rybakina defeats Gauff 2-1 in comeback to reach US Open final

The semifinal between Rybakina and Gauff went the full three sets and featured a dramatic battle. In the opening set, Gauff quickly found her attacking rhythm, using baseline movement and net play effectively to control the match. She won the first set 6-3, putting Rybakina in a must-win situation.

Trailing in the match, Rybakina stayed composed and quickly adjusted her tactics, increasing her serving aggression and using deep baseline shots to limit Gauff's attacking space. She converted a key break opportunity in the second set and won it 6-4 to force a deciding set.

The match coverage continued.

The deciding set was even more tightly contested, with both players engaging in extended baseline rallies and holding their serves steadily. Rybakina earned the first break opportunity to take the lead. Although she lost a chance to serve out the match and allowed Gauff to close the gap, she withstood the pressure, regained control on important points, broke again, and sealed the set 6-4 to complete a 2-1 comeback victory.

The victory marked a milestone for Rybakina: her first appearance in the US Open final and the fourth Grand Slam final of her career. She previously won a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and, after several deep Grand Slam runs, finally earned the opportunity to challenge for the US Open crown at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Gauff, playing on home soil, gave everything despite her semifinal exit, and her net skills and baseline ability throughout the match remained impressive.

Sabalenka beats Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to extend streak to 19 wins and chase third straight title

On the other side, top seed Sabalenka faced longtime rival Pegula. The first set was highly competitive, with Pegula relying on her solid rallying ability and defensive resilience to stay in a close contest. Sabalenka raised her attacking intensity late in the set, capitalized on key-point opportunities, and secured a break to win the opening set 7-5 and take control.

After winning the first set, Sabalenka unleashed her power, with her serve and forehand attack fully effective while reducing unforced errors. Pegula struggled to withstand the continued pressure, and the match quickly opened up. Sabalenka closed out the second set 6-2, defeating Pegula 2-0 and advancing to the final.

Sabalenka has now achieved a remarkable 19-match US Open winning streak and reached the women's singles final for the fourth consecutive year. If she wins the final, she will claim three straight US Open titles and achieve a rare era-defining feat reminiscent of the dominance seen during Serena Williams' period. Pegula was once again unable to break through at the Grand Slam semifinal stage and missed the chance to advance further.

The US Open women's singles final matchup is officially set: top seed Sabalenka versus No. 2 seed Rybakina. Both players are among the elite of women's tennis, have split their previous meetings, and possess tremendous power on hard courts.

Sabalenka has the advantage of US Open defending experience, a winning streak, and confidence in major finals. Rybakina has just endured a comeback battle that strengthened her resilience and is eager to capture her first US Open title. The winner of this match will become world No. 1.