Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and reigning U.S. Open champion, survived a razor-tight contest to defeat Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) on Tuesday and move into the semifinals in New York — marking her sixth consecutive trip to the last four at Flushing Meadows.
What happened on court
The match, played on Day 10 of the tournament in Queens, was a test of serve and nerve. Noskova, seeded sixth, produced a fierce serving display that included 18 aces and she saved seven of nine break points. Sabalenka, who had not dropped a set earlier in the event, relied on her experience in tiebreaks to survive two pressure moments and close out the encounter.
“What a battle. What an incredible player she is. I'm speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit this match,”
The match swung back and forth. Sabalenka broke early in the deciding set, only to have Noskova respond and build a lead. Ultimately, Noskova faltered when she led by a break in the third and the pair reached a decisive tiebreak where the champion prevailed.
Why it matters
Sabalenka’s victory keeps alive her bid for a third consecutive U.S. Open title and reinforces her status at the top of the women’s game. Reaching six straight semifinals at the same Grand Slam is a notable streak that underscores both consistency and the ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
- Match score: 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7)
- Noskova's aces: 18
- Break points saved by Noskova: 7 of 9
| Player | Sets Won | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) | 2 | Record tiebreak composure; defending champion |
| Linda Noskova (CZE) | 1 | 18 aces; saved 7/9 break points |
Sabalenka’s next opponent will be the winner of an all-American quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. For Canadian tennis followers, the tournament also included progress in doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski and her partner advanced to the women’s doubles quarterfinals, keeping Canadian interest alive in New York.
Beyond the immediate result, the match illustrated the increasingly tight margins in women’s Grand Slam tennis, where big serves and momentum swings can quickly reshape outcomes. Sabalenka’s ability to prevail in two tiebreaks will be watched closely as she pursues another title run.
As the tournament moves into its final stages, the challenge for the top seed will be maintaining the form and mental edge required to secure a rare three-peat at the U.S. Open.
