The most desired final at the US Open is blown up

“The respect you have for me is priceless. I know you wanted her to win, it’s obvious, but thank you for treating me with so much respect,” the Belarusian addressed. Aryna Sabalenka to the 23,000 people who filled Arthur Ashe Stadium, including one of the most applauded when it appeared on the video scoreboards, Michelle Obama, who witnessed the two semi-finals.

There is an atmosphere of euphoria in the USA generated by Ben Shelton’s triumph over Carlos Alcarazwhich ensured the presence of an American in the men’s final for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2006, since it is measured at Frances Tiafoe.

Michelle Obama, highly applauded at Arthur Ashe StadiumFrank Franklin II / Ap-LaPresse

Within that state of ‘Yankee’ pride, the desire was for the party to continue with the design of an all-American final in the women’s singles. Hopes were blown up at the first opportunity, at the weakest point.

Jessica Pegula The eternal candidate without a crown at 32 years old, bowed without reference to the current queen, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenkawho qualified for the fourth consecutive final in New York. Expired 7-5 and 6-2 in 1h.20′, and will aspire to a consecutive treble that was only within reach of Serena Williams and Chris Evertwho in fact lifted the trophy four consecutive times.

The power of the world No. 1 until Monday, Sabalenka, dismantled the consistency of Pegula, No. 3. First American disappointment. The second was even more painful. Their 2023 champion, 22 years old and No. 4, undefeated in their eleven previous matches having arrived as the winner of Cincinnati, was also eliminated.

The most popular in these lands, Coco Gauffhe couldn’t with the Kazakh Elena Rybakina27 years old and No. 2. He had never lost after winning the first set in 18 matches at the US Open. The statistic broke, fell 3-6, 6-4 and 6-4 in 2h.09′.

Coco Gauff, of the United States, reacts to losing a game in the second set during the women's singles semifinals of the US Open tennis championships against Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) — Coco Gauff, defeated at homeKirsty Wigglesworth/Ap-LaPresse

Yes, it was the most desired final in the USA, not so much internationally. Europe, in command, with the morbidity of seeing the defender of the crown in a direct duel, Sabalenkawith whom he will surely snatch the number 1 in the ranking, Rybakina.

On Saturday, at 10:00 p.m. Spanish peninsular timethey will play who is really number one, ranking numbers aside. Rybakina, with two Grand Slam titles, including this year’s Australian Open against Sabalenka, will play in her fourth ‘big’ final, it will debut in New York.

Sabalenka, four Grand Slam crowns, will face her ninth ‘big’ final. He has won his last 19 meetings at Flushing Meadows, 25 of the most recent 26 at this venue.

Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, celebrates winning a match against Coco Gauff, of the United States, during the women's singles semifinals of the US Open tennis championships, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) — Elena Rybakina has already made sure to take the world number one from Aryna Sabalenka, from whom on Saturday she will try to take the US Open titleSeth Wenig/Ap-LaPresse

Tennis USA lost, tennis as a whole received a gift in the form of an explosive outcome. The eighteenth duel between two hitters, two killers from different body languages: Aryna’s exuberance, which overflows every instantaneous sensation, against Elena’s deceptive coldness.

Sabalenka dominates the series, 10-7. He won the two most recent, already somewhat distant, Indian Wells and Miami, shortly after having lost in two more relevant events, the finals of the ATP Finals that closed the 2025 campaign and the Australian Open that opened the present.