US Open 2026: Elena Rybakina's Semifinal Win Over Coco Gauff Overshadowed By Cold Crowd Reaction (WATCH)

The new World No.1 and Kazakhstani tennis star Elena Rybakina received a cold reception from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd after staging a brilliant comeback to defeat home favourite Coco Gauff on Thursday, September 10.

Rybakina lost the opening set 3-6 before making a comeback by winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to advance to her first-ever US Open final and the fourth Grand Slam final of her career. This was the second time in the ongoing edition of the tournament that the Kazakhstani tennis star dropped a set, having previously bounced back from a set down against Qinwen Zheng of China in the quarterfinals.

Ahead of the semifinal, Elena Rybakina dethroned Aryna Sabalenka from the top of the WTA rankings, securing the world No. 1 spot following her quarterfinal victory. She will officially become the top-ranked player once the WTA releases the updated ranking list after the US Open 2026.

Also Read:US Open: Sabalenka beats Pegula to reach 4th consecutive final

Rybakina Receives Cold Crowd Reaction After Semifinal Win

As Elena Rybakina advanced to her first US Open final, the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd made their disappointment clear, offering a muted and chilly reception after she ended the tournament hopes of American star Coco Gauff.

In a video posted by the US Open on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, after Rybakina won the match point, the sparse and disappointed stands offered very little applause, with large portions of the crowd clearing out before her on-court post-match interview could even begin.

Elena Rybakina books her ticket into her first US Open final! twitter/HBDTVBi16U

- US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2026

Addressing the partisan atmosphere head-on during her post-match interview, Rybakina kept her composure, acknowledging the crowd's clear preference by stating, "I know you guys wanted her to win.”

“I know you guys wanted Coco to win. I think it was really a battle. A few moments went my way. In the end, I was just trying to be focused and stay aggressive and somehow won the match,” the Kazakhstani tennis star said.

Elena Rybakina on beating Coco Gauff to reach U.S. Open final“Of course there were nerves. Coco is a great player. It's always tough to play her. Even if sometimes her first serve doesn't go the second one is so heavy it's difficult to dictate the rallies. I took a deep breath,... twitter/3oGdwhLCZE

- The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2026

The US Open semifinal marked the third official tour meeting between Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, with Rybakina taking a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head record following her hard-fought victory at Flushing Meadows.

Fans Slam Arthur Ashe Crowd After Mass Walkout

Arthur Ashe crowd's cold response to Elena Rybakina's semifinal victory over Coco Gauff has sparked a massive wave of backlash on social media, with fans and spectators taking to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the unceremonious mass walkout.

Taking to their X handles, several fans criticised the crowd for failing to stay and applaud Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. One described the spectators as 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting', while another said the crowd was“disrespecting Elena” by not staying to applaud her win. Some fans also expressed their disappointment over the lack of appreciation for Rybakina's performance.

Others also slammed the spectators for leaving the stadium so quickly instead of acknowledging Rybakina's victory. One fan called it a“disgrace” and claimed the US Open had the 'worst crowd of all Grand Slams', while a few questioned why the crowd did not even applaud Rybakina after her win.

DISGRACEFUL, SHAMEFUL, DISRESPECTFUL CROWD @usopen bev (@bacd199x) September 11, 2026

Thought the crowd was disrespecting Elena by not staying and applauding her win Heather..✨️ (@Pukeko65) September 11, 2026

The crowd was a disgrace. U. S open have the worse crowd of all grandslams. You should be ashamed. Wisdom (@paris_wisdom) September 11, 2026

So sad that crowd didn't cheer for elena when she won

- J (@hiyawhuwhat) September 11, 2026

The quietest player on tour just silenced the loudest crowd

- Saro (@SethHenrySeth) September 11, 2026

These aren't tennis fans, they're influencers and people who like Coco for her politics. True fans love a good match and cheer for the winner.

- Francey Morgan (@franceymorgan_) September 11, 2026

The crowd was so rude. She doesn't deserve that

- Angeloue Morada (@imangeloue) September 11, 2026

Never seen a crowd leave so fast lol

- Mike Strong (@I_MakeMoves) September 11, 2026

I understand being for Coco, but the US Open crowd along with obnoxious celebs are the worst. You can be disappointed for Coco but still cheer the winner and the effort from both as it was a heck of a battle

- Sebi Cable (@SebiCable) September 11, 2026

That's the difference between Eala's fans and Gauff's. You can tell a lot about a fanbase by how they handle someone else's victory.

- chris (@chris14135679) September 11, 2026

The crowd didn't even clap for Rybakina lmao @Deep_Take001 @WoakesHive

- RIP TENNIS! OUR SPORT IS OVER. TRAGEDY! (@S_RF_CA) September 11, 2026

Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina will aim for her maiden US Open triumph and her second Grand Slam title following her 2022 Wimbledon crown when she takes on defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the much-anticipated final on Saturday, September 12.

Also Read:R Madhavan recalls tennis memories, watches Zverev at US Open

MENAFN11092026007385015968ID1111650955