Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff Prediction 9/9/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Elena Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the US Open semifinals on Thursday, September 10. Here’s our Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff prediction. This preview will include an Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff pick.

Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff Preview

Elena Rybakina defeated Chinese qualifier Qinwen Zheng in three sets to reach her first US Open semifinal. Victory also ensured that Rybakina will officially take over as the new women’s World No. 1 after the tournament. Rybakina needed to come from behind to beat an in-form Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. She saved a crucial break point to hold serve for 4-all before breaking Zheng in the next game. Rybakina made no mistake while serving for a spot in the semifinals and the No. 1 ranking.

In the victory, Rybakina hit 20 winners and 26 unforced errors. She tallied 5 aces and 5 double faults. Rybakina landed 55% of first serves in play and won 80% of first serve points (32/40). Rybakina won 64% of second serve points (21/33) and saved three of four break points. Rybakina is seeking to win her third Grand Slam title and can reach her second major final of the season.

Coco Gauff saved match points to beat Mirra Andreeva and confirm her spot in the US Open semifinals for the second time in her career. Gauff had a perfect record against Andreeva, but it came under threat as Andreeva made a quick start to lead 6-2, and had to match point to seal victory in the second set tiebreak. But Gauff saved both match points and won the tiebreak 9-7.

Gauff had all the momentum at the start of the third set and broke Andreeva twice to lead 5-2. She went on to serve for the match in the next game. Overall, Gauff fired 22 winners, but will need to improve on an unwanted 42 unforced errors, which included 12 double faults. Gauff landed just 59% of first serves in play and won 72% of first serve points (44/61). Gauff won 38% of second serve points (16/42) and saved five of nine break points.

Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff Head-To-Head

Rybakina and Gauff have met twice at WTA level, with both matches taking place in Toronto. Gauff won the first meeting in 2023 in three sets and Rybakina avenged that defeat at this year’s WTA 1000 in Toronto in three sets.

Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff Prediction

The head-to-head is evenly poised here. It will be Coco Gauff’s defense against Elena Rybakina’s attack. Coco survived a huge mental test against Andreeva and she took the first set against Rybakina in Toronto before the match slipped away. That said, I fancy Rybakina here. She comes in as the new No. 1 (will take over next week) and the big thing is the serve-plus-one combination, which dug her out of trouble in key moments against Zheng. The forehand is also firing on all cylinders. Coco can defend, but if Rybakina’s A-game clicks, then it’s hard to see a different outcome from their most recent clash.

Nur Said's Pick: Rybakina in three sets