Sabalenka, Rybakina reach US Open 2026 final after beating Pegula, Gauff

The picture for the US Open 2026 women's singles final is now clear. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina will face off for the title, after the runs of America's Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula ended in the semifinals.

In the first semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka beat third seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets 7-5, 6-2. With this win, Sabalenka is one win away from her third consecutive US Open title. Sabalenka made excellent use of her serve and powerful groundstrokes throughout the match, giving Pegula no chance to come back.

The first set was closely contested between the two players. Both held serve until the 12th game, when Sabalenka led 6-5. She then stepped up her aggressive play, put Pegula under pressure and took the set. Sabalenka dominated from the start of the second set as well. She attacked Pegula's second serve and broke serve with a superb forehand to take a 3-1 lead. In the eighth game, Pegula's return went long, handing Sabalenka a match point. Sabalenka hit seven aces and 29 winners in the match, one of her best performances of the tournament.

In the second semifinal, American player Coco Gauff faced Elena Rybakina. Gauff got off to a strong start, winning the first set 6-3. But Rybakina then fought back hard, winning the second set 6-4 to take the match to a deciding set. Rybakina also won the third set 6-4, beating Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final. This is the first time Rybakina has reached the final of this tournament. She has won two Grand Slam titles so far, having won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open at the start of 2026.

The US Open 2026 women's singles final will now be played between Sabalenka and Rybakina. Sabalenka will be looking for her third consecutive title, while Rybakina will be trying to add her name to the trophy for the first time.