Rybakina Reaches U.S. Open Final as Crowd Walks Out After 3-Set Win Over Gauff
Updated
Updated · SB Nation · Sep 11
Rybakina Reaches U.S. Open Final as Crowd Walks Out After 3-Set Win Over Gauff
3 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Sep 11
Summary
Elena Rybakina advanced to the U.S. Open final after a 3-set semifinal win over Coco Gauff, but the match ended with Arthur Ashe Stadium drawing criticism for its reaction.
On the final point, fans loudly cheered Gauff's game-saving overhead attempt, then fell silent when it sailed long, sealing Rybakina's victory.
Rybakina then gave her post-match interview and hit balls into stands that had largely emptied within moments of the result.
The episode underscored how heavily pro-Gauff the New York crowd was and sparked complaints that the winner was denied the customary appreciation after a high-level semifinal.