Aryna Sabalenka preserved her chance of clinching a third straight US Open title after edging out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a gripping three‑set quarter‑final clash. The victory not only propelled her into the semifinals but also secured her position as world No. 1 for at least another day, underscoring the high stakes that still surround the New York tournament.
The 28‑year‑old Belarusian powered through a tightly contested match, defeating Noskova 7‑6 (7‑1), 3‑6, 7‑6 (10‑7). She survived two tie‑breaks and even rallied from a 4‑2 deficit in the final set, ultimately sealing the win with a decisive second‑serve ace. This win set up a semifinal showdown with American Jessica Pegula, who had just overcome Emma Navarro in another hard‑fought three‑set battle. Sabalenka’s path to a possible three‑peat hinges on a tournament victory; only by winning the title can she maintain her No.
1 ranking. However, her hold on the top spot is precarious because Elena Rybakina—who bested Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year—faces Qinwen Zheng in her own quarter‑final.
Should Rybakina triumph, she would overtake the ranking regardless of Sabalenka’s progress. Conversely, if Rybakina falls, the door opens for Pegula or Coco Gauff to ascend to world No. 1, provided they capture the championship on Saturday night.
Sabalenka has now been perched atop the rankings for 99 consecutive weeks, and she aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (who won three consecutive US Opens from 2012 to 2014) to achieve a three‑peat at Flushing Meadows. Her flawless record in US Open quarter‑finals—never having lost at this stage—combined with a remarkable streak of ten consecutive tie‑break victories at the event, underscores her reputation as a clutch performer.
Noskova, the 21‑year‑old Czech, fought valiantly. After forcing a first‑set tie‑break from a 5‑2 deficit, she double‑faulted at 3‑3 in the final‑set breaker and later slipped to 8‑6 following an ill‑timed net cord. Despite these setbacks, she displayed the tenacity that has carried her to multiple deep runs this season, including a recent semifinal appearance at Indian Wells and a final showdown with Sabalenka in Adelaide last year. The loss ended her bid to become the first woman since Naomi Osaka—who won back‑to‑back majors at the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open—to claim consecutive Grand Slam titles.
Sabalenka extended her perfect head‑to‑head record against Noskova to 3‑0, having previously defeated the Czech in the Adelaide International final in 2023 and again at Indian Wells earlier this season. Their rivalry has become a subplot to the larger narrative of Sabalenka’s quest for historic dominance. Meanwhile, Pegula secured her third straight quarter‑final appearance in New York by rallying from a break down in the third set to defeat Navarro 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑3. The American’s victory set up a rematch of the 2024 final, as she now prepares to face the two‑time defending champion Sabalenka.
Pegula’s confidence is bolstered by a recent five‑match winning streak against her compatriot, highlighted by a triumph at the Cincinnati Open just weeks earlier. "It was really tough, really physical, I wasn't serving my best, I was fighting a lot of demons out there," Pegula reflected after her win. "I do a great job on having a short‑term memory; I know every time I come out, no matter what, I have to tell the negative part of me to shut up and just play tennis and compete." Sabalenka, speaking in her post‑match interview, emphasized the mental shift that helped her stay loose under pressure: "Thinking the match was over probably helped me feel loose and go for my shots. I'm super happy to get this win—a tough match, tough battle.
These crowds, tie‑breaks, and high‑pressure moments boost my confidence and my energy. For now I just want to relax, recover, and reflect on what happened." The match began with Sabalenka breaking Noskova to love in the second game, racing to a 5‑2 lead. However, the Czech rallied, winning four of the next five games to force a 6‑6 tie‑break.
The first breaker was one‑sided; Noskova managed only a single point—a wide ace—while Sabalenka’s power sealed the set 7‑1. In the second set, Noskova held her serve early, even creating break opportunities at 3‑2, but a double‑fault from Sabalenka handed her the set point she needed to take the set 6‑3.
The decisive third set saw Noskova break Sabalenka in the fifth game, capitalizing on two double‑faults from the world No. 1. Sabalenka, however, dug deep, leveling the set at 4‑4 before forcing another tie‑break. This time the breaker was far more competitive, with both players exchanging mini‑breaks, but Sabalenka’s composure in the crucial moments allowed her to prevail 10‑7, sending her to the semifinals.
Tim Henman of Sky Sports praised Sabalenka’s mental fortitude, noting that while she has shown occasional lapses in lower‑profile events, her performance in high‑stakes matches is exemplary. "Her tie‑break record is absolutely phenomenal.
When it comes to the most pressure‑packed moments, she's the one that comes up with the big shots," Henman said. The semifinal promises a clash of contrasting styles: Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline power against Pegula’s relentless consistency and tactical acumen.
Both players have expressed a desire to seize the moment, with Sabalenka eyeing a historic three‑peat and Pegula looking to claim her first Grand Slam title while potentially reaching the world No. 1 spot.
Fans can continue to follow the action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the remainder of the US Open through Sunday, September 13. The tournament remains a showcase of elite tennis, drama, and the relentless pursuit of greatness as the remaining contenders battle for the coveted trophy and the top ranking in the sport.