Coco Gauff entered Arthur Ashe Stadium with a chance to reach the US Open final for the first time since winning the tournament in 2023. Instead, Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat her 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinal.
Gauff’s loss ended her bid for a second US Open title, while Rybakina advanced to her first final at Flushing Meadows. After the match, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick focused on one particular part of Gauff’s game: her forehand.
On his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Roddick argued that the shot had let Gauff down at a crucial stage and warned that opponents who can generate pace could continue to target it.
Roddick speaks out after a shocking defeat
Andy Roddick discussed Coco Gauff’s semifinal loss to Elena Rybakina on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast. He focused on the contrast between Gauff’s strong start and the problems that emerged as Rybakina settled into the match.
Roddick specifically pointed to Gauff’s forehand, saying the shot had “deserted her” at the worst possible moment. He also warned that opponents who can generate significant pace could make the issue difficult for Gauff if it continues.
Roddick’s comments came after Rybakina rallied from a 3-6 opening-set loss to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-4.
How Gauff let a golden lead slip
Gauff entered the US Open semifinal on an 11-match winning streak after winning the Cincinnati Open. She carried that momentum into Arthur Ashe Stadium and took the opening set against Rybakina 6-3.
Rybakina responded by winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to complete the comeback. The result ended Gauff’s tournament and sent Rybakina into her first US Open final.
The forehand flaw Roddick called out
Roddick said Gauff’s forehand had “deserted her” during the semifinal, identifying it as a major factor in her loss to Rybakina. Match coverage also highlighted Gauff’s forehand errors as Rybakina changed the momentum.
Rybakina’s pace and ability to attack Gauff’s forehand put pressure on the American during the final two sets. Gauff finished the match with 34 unforced errors, according to tournament coverage.
Roddick has previously worked with Gauff on her serve. During the 2023-24 offseason, the pair spent two days working on her service motion and toss, with Gauff saying the sessions helped improve her serve.
Rybakina reaches a career-defining milestone
Rybakina’s victory over Gauff secured her place in the US Open final and also confirmed that she would become the new world No. 1. She entered the semifinal as the No. 2 seed and rallied from a set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Rybakina then defeated defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final to win her first US Open title. The championship was her third Grand Slam singles title and second major of 2026.
Two contrasting styles collide on the court
Gauff and Rybakina entered their semifinal with contrasting strengths. Gauff is known for her speed, defense and court coverage, while Rybakina relies heavily on a powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.
Those differences were visible during the semifinal. Gauff controlled the opening set before Rybakina increased her pressure and used her pace to turn the match around.
The US Open semifinal was their third meeting of 2026. Their previous meeting came at the Canadian Open, where Rybakina defeated Gauff in the quarterfinals.
Warning signs appeared before this match
Gauff’s quarterfinal against Mirra Andreeva showed some of the inconsistencies that later surfaced against Rybakina. Gauff committed 42 unforced errors and 12 double faults in the match before recovering to win 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.
Gauff faced two match points in that quarterfinal before completing the comeback. She then opened her semifinal against Rybakina strongly, winning the first set 6-3 before Rybakina turned the match around.
The statistics offered a clear record of Gauff’s difficult quarterfinal rather than proof that her semifinal defeat was inevitable.
Gauff’s road ahead after New York
Gauff’s 2026 US Open campaign ended in the semifinals, and the WTA rankings released Sept. 14 list her at No. 4 in the world. She also remains the defending champion at the China Open, having won the Beijing title in 2024.
Her 2024 China Open victory came when she defeated Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final. Her 2026 schedule after the US Open should be checked against the WTA’s latest tournament entry list before publication, rather than presenting the China Open as a confirmed next event.
Why Roddick’s blunt words matter now
Roddick’s comments focused on a specific technical issue he saw during Gauff’s semifinal loss. He argued that her forehand had broken down at a crucial point and warned that opponents with the ability to generate pace could continue to test that side of her game.
Whether Gauff makes changes based on that assessment will be up to her and her coaching team. Roddick has previously worked with Gauff on her serve, spending two days with her during the 2023-24 offseason.
Little-known fact: Roddick finished his Davis Cup career with 33 singles victories for the United States, second all-time among U.S. players behind John McEnroe. He was part of the American team that won the 2007 Davis Cup title, ending a 12-year drought.
TL;DR
- Roddick says Gauff’s forehand, not her fitness or mindset, cost her the match against Rybakina.
- Gauff won the first set 6-3 but lost the next two, 6-4 and 6-4.
- Rybakina clinched the world number one ranking the same week she beat Gauff.
- Gauff finishes 2026 without a Grand Slam title, despite semifinal runs at Wimbledon and the US Open.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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