At the 2026 US Open, Coco Gauff‘s pursuit to reclaim the title ended in a tightly contested semifinal match against the newly crowned world No. 1, Elena Rybakina. The encounter unfolded on Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Rybakina overcame Gauff in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Having started strong by securing the first set with relative ease, Gauff appeared poised to maintain her momentum. However, Rybakina adjusted her tactics effectively as the match progressed, improving her first-serve accuracy to an impressive 76%. This strategic shift helped her gain the upper hand, ultimately delivering 21 winners to Gauff’s 16 and swinging the match in her favor.
What Went Wrong for Coco Gauff vs Elena Rybakina?
Despite the promising start, Gauff’s performance faltered during crucial moments in the second and third sets, with a few unsteady service games proving costly for the two-time Grand Slam champion. Having won the US Open title three years earlier at Flushing Meadows, Gauff’s experience was evident, but the inconsistencies in her service game allowed Rybakina to seize the advantage and close out the match.
Following the loss, Gauff acknowledged the disappointment but framed it as a valuable experience. “It hurts,” she admitted. “I think the competitor in me, this is the tournament I want to perform at. I did perform, but the one that you want to come out with a win. It’s definitely a learning experience.”
With this victory, Rybakina moves on to face Aryna Sabalenka in the final scheduled for Saturday, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to this year’s US Open.