# Coco Gauff warns Elena Rybakina is entering her prime with slam dominance

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/coco-gauff-warns-elena-rybakina-is-entering-her-prime-with-slam-dominance/
- Published: 2026-09-29T09:53:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T18:19:28+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Aryna Sabalenka, Australian Open, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, tennis, US Open

## Key points

- Coco Gauff says Elena Rybakina is in her prime and will keep winning titles for a while.
- Rybakina won the 2026 Australian Open and US Open, beating Sabalenka in both finals, and became world No.1.
- Gauff says there are no surprises in women's tennis, only players seizing their opportunities when they come.

## Article

Coco Gauff has delivered a striking endorsement of Elena Rybakina’s dominance in women’s tennis, declaring the Kazakh star is firmly in her prime and poised to continue her reign at the top. Despite a Grand Slam season in 2026 that saw fresh champions rise, Gauff insists the strength and depth of the women’s game remain unshaken, with Rybakina’s breakthrough far from a surprise.

The 2026 season closed without titles for perennial contenders Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Gauff herself, as Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, and Linda Noskova claimed the major honours. Rybakina’s triumphs bookended the year by capturing the Australian Open and the US Open, including victories over Sabalenka in both finals, adding to her 2022 Wimbledon crown. Andreeva clinched her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, defeating Maja Chwalinska, while Noskova secured her maiden major at Wimbledon against Karolina Muchova.

Gauff, who reached semifinals in two majors this year after her 2025 French Open win, addressed the emergence of new Grand Slam winners. “I don’t really think there’s a theory,” she explained. “Elena’s always been a top player but had struggles with injuries and consistency. Now everything has come together, so it’s no surprise she’s won two Slams this year.” Gauff dismissed notions of upheaval in women’s tennis, emphasizing that within the player community, breakthroughs by Andreeva and Noskova are expected. “There are no surprises. It’s about who can seize the opportunities when they come.”

Rybakina’s rise was cemented not only by her two major titles but also by ascending to world No.1 for the first time, overtaking Sabalenka following her US Open victory. Gauff forecast a sustained period of success for the Kazakh star. “Elena is definitely someone who’s going to keep winning for a while because of the weapons she has. It’s no surprise,” Gauff stated. She added, “You reach a certain age where things come together, consistency improves, and that’s where she is now—in her prime. I think she’ll win many more titles.”

On a lighter note, Gauff acknowledged her recent semifinal clashes with Rybakina, saying with a smile, “Hopefully I can not lose to her in some more semis, because it’s been two back-to-back ones. Maybe next time it will land on my side.”

Gauff’s candid assessment underscores Rybakina’s arrival as a dominant force in women’s tennis while highlighting the evolving landscape of Grand Slam champions. The 2026 season may have crowned new winners, but the sport’s elite remain fiercely competitive, with Rybakina positioned to lead the charge.