Elena Rybakina has secured her place in the US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, a showdown that will also see Rybakina ascend to the world number one ranking. The Kazakh second seed is set to replace Sabalenka at the top when the rankings are updated on Monday, ending Sabalenka's 99-week reign.
Rybakina fought back to overcome American fourth seed Coco Gauff with a 3-6 6-4 6-4 victory. She is now chasing her third Grand Slam title, having previously won Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open in January against Sabalenka.
Top seed Sabalenka advanced to the final by overpowering Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2. Sabalenka is aiming to become only the third woman in the Open era to win the New York singles title three times in a row. This will be the first time the top two women's seeds have contested a US Open final since Serena Williams faced Victoria Azarenka in 2013.
Sabalenka expressed her determination, stating, "I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way." Pegula described Sabalenka's performance against her as "probably the best match she's played this year."