diff --git a/src/aria/private/combobox/combobox.ts b/src/aria/private/combobox/combobox.ts
index 4c12f9ae837f..ada494f4d471 100644
--- a/src/aria/private/combobox/combobox.ts
+++ b/src/aria/private/combobox/combobox.ts
@@ -542,13 +542,14 @@ export class ComboboxPattern<T extends ListItem<V>, V> {
         inputEl.value = '';
       }
     } else if (this.expanded()) {
-      this.close();
-
+      this.expanded.set(false);
       const selectedItem = popupControls?.getSelectedItems()?.[0];
 
       if (selectedItem?.searchTerm() !== this.inputs.inputValue!()) {
         popupControls?.clearSelection();
       }
+
+      return;
     }
 
     this.close();