“Oh, wow.” That was Coco Gauff’s immediate reaction when she heard about the US Open semi-final line-up. And honestly, “oh, wow” doesn’t even cut it. For the first time since 1975, a full 51 years ago, the top four seeds in the women’s singles draw have all battled their way to the semi-finals at the New York major. Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Gauff herself are all through after surviving three-set thrillers, setting up an historic showdown.
A Shift in the Game
This isn’t just a fun coincidence; this is big for women’s tennis. Think about it: it’s the first time the top-four ranked players have reached the women’s semi-finals at any Grand Slam since Wimbledon way back in 2009. That’s a serious shift from the unpredictable landscape we’ve seen recently. Since 2020 alone, we’ve had 13 different Grand Slam women’s singles champions compared to only seven on the men’s side. Former British number one Annabel Croft put it perfectly, saying, “How amazing – it doesn’t get much better than that does it?” She added that “there’s lots of really big names now, big personalities going up against each other and it’s really exciting.” This tournament has delivered “intriguing matches” and “warriors out on court.” Every single one of these four stars started this US Open with a real shot at being world number one by the time it was over.
Rivalries and Records on the Line
The drama is already off the charts, especially with the first semi-final. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, is set to face American Jessica Pegula. This isn’t just another match; it’s a rivalry that has seen them go head-to-head 13 times. Sabalenka has denied Pegula a maiden major title before, winning the 2024 final and last year’s semi-finals at this very tournament. Pegula admits it’s a “hurdle” she needs to clear, but also says, “It’s fun to look at it like a rivalry. I think that’s what motivates me.” She respects how Sabalenka has “pushed me to become a better player.” Sabalenka, who is into her first semi-final since losing to Pegula in Berlin this June, is “super excited” for the battle. She loves the “fight” and being “under pressure,” noting Pegula arrived in New York in better form, reaching both the Washington and Cincinnati finals. Sabalenka is chasing history, trying to be the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three successive US Open titles.
New #1 and Grand Slam Dreams
Then there’s the second semi-final: second seed Elena Rybakina against fourth seed Coco Gauff. Rybakina is about to make history herself. She will become the new world number one on Monday, ending Sabalenka’s impressive 99-week reign at the top. But don’t think that’s her main focus. Rybakina has called the top ranking “just a number,” stressing her focus is entirely on winning her third Grand Slam title. For Gauff, it’s a chance to add another major to her resume. With all four having battled through three-setters to get here, it shows their grit. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these final two matches.
Thursday’s first semi-final kicks off at 00:00 BST (Friday for those in the UK), with Sabalenka against Pegula, followed by Rybakina versus Gauff. Every player here wants that Grand Slam title. Will Sabalenka make it three in a row? Can Pegula finally break through for her first major? Will Rybakina cap her new number one ranking with a title, or can Gauff snatch it? Get ready, because these are going to be absolute bangers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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