Gauff and Rybakina set for U.S. Open semifinal showdown
No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 4 Coco Gauff meet in the second U.S. Open women's semifinal, with the winner advancing to the final. Both players overcame three-set battles in the quarterfinals, with Gauff saving two match points against Mirra Andreeva. Their match begins after the Sabalenka-Pegula semifinal concludes.
The semifinal pits the Australian Open champion against the American crowd favorite. Rybakina has lost just one set in five matches, while Gauff needed a tiebreak to survive two match points in her quarterfinal. Their clash follows the other semifinal on the same court.
The match will be played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sport's largest center court, which is currently undergoing a $600 million renovation to add 2,000 courtside seats. Rybakina seeks a second major title this year, while Gauff aims for a second U.S. Open championship.
This matchup could significantly influence tennis viewership and youth participation in the United States, as Gauff's dramatic comeback story may inspire casual fans and young athletes. A Rybakina victory could reinforce the narrative of international dominance in women's tennis. The outcome may also shape broadcast scheduling and commercial interest for the final, potentially affecting how the sport markets its marquee events to a global audience.