World No. 1 and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the 2026 US Open semifinals after edging past Linda Noskova 7-6(7-1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) in a gripping quarterfinal on Tuesday evening at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian, who had not dropped a set in the tournament before this match, came dangerously close to elimination.
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Noskova becomes first to take a set off Sabalenka
The 6th seed and reigning Wimbledon champion showed exactly why she is regarded as one of the most powerful hitters on tour. Noskova fired 18 aces and accumulated 46 winners, four more than Sabalenka. After a tight opening set settled by a tiebreak in the Belarusian's favour, the Czech took control of the second set 6-3, becoming the first player to win a set against Sabalenka at this tournament.
A razor-thin third set
In the decider, Sabalenka found herself trailing 2-4 after two consecutive double faults on serve. The match appeared to be turning against her. Yet the world No. 1 summoned the resilience to break back and force another tiebreak, which she clinched 10-7, sealing the victory with a second-serve ace. "I was pushing myself to the limit, especially in the third set," Sabalenka said. "When I thought the match was lost, it actually freed me up."
Sixth consecutive semifinal in New York
Sabalenka extends her remarkable run to a sixth consecutive US Open semifinal. She will face Jessica Pegula, the 3rd seed, who defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The semifinal will be a rematch of the 2024 final, won by Sabalenka, and their 2025 semifinal meeting. Sabalenka remains on course for a historic three-peat at Flushing Meadows. (Source: TAG24, Yahoo Sports)
