Aryna Sabalenka preserved her chance to become the first woman in over a decade to win three consecutive US Open titles after a gritty three‑set triumph over Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a captivating quarter‑final clash. The 28‑year‑old Belarusian edged the Czech player 7‑6 (7‑1), 3‑6, 7‑6 (10‑7), surviving two tie‑breaks and even a 4‑2 deficit in the deciding set before sealing the match with a crisp second‑serve ace. The victory not only propels Sabalenka into a semifinal showdown with Jessica Pegula but also guarantees her position as world No.
1 for at least another day. The stakes are high for Sabalenka.
To retain her top‑ranking she must capture the New York title; a loss would hand the number‑one spot to Elena Rybakina, who currently battles Qinwen Zheng in her own quarter‑final. Should Rybakina fall, the door opens for Pegula or fellow American Coco Gauff to ascend to the summit of the rankings, provided they can navigate the remainder of the tournament successfully. Sabalenka’s quest is historic.
No woman has won the US Open three years in a row since Serena Williams completed the feat from 2012 to 2014. Maintaining her dominance at Flushing Meadows would cement Sabalenka’s legacy and extend her remarkable run as world No. 1, a streak that has now lasted 99 consecutive weeks.
The match itself was a roller‑coaster. Noskova, who had forced a first‑set tie‑break after trailing 5‑2, displayed resilience throughout. At 3‑3 in the final‑set breaker she double‑faulted, and an ill‑timed net cord saw her slip to 8‑6. Sabalenka, however, has never lost a US Open quarter‑final and entered the match having won her last ten tie‑breaks at the event.
Those statistics proved decisive as she clinched both crucial tie‑breaks. Their rivalry now stands at 3‑0 in Sabalenka’s favour. She previously defeated the 21‑year‑old Noskova in the Adelaide International final in 2023 and again at the Indian Wells semi‑finals earlier this year.
Noskova’s hopes of joining Naomi Osaka as the last woman to claim back‑to‑back Grand Slams were dashed, ending her impressive 11‑match major winning streak. After the quarter‑final, Sabalenka reflected on the match during her on‑court interview. "Thinking the match was over helped me stay loose and go for my shots," she said.
"I’m super happy to get this win – it was a tough battle. These crowds, the tie‑breaks, the pressure – they all boost my confidence and my energy. For now I just want to relax, recover, and think about what happened." Pegula, the American who will face Sabalenka in the semi‑final, earned her spot by fighting back from a break down in the third set to defeat Emma Navarro 3‑6, 6‑4, 6‑3.
The win marked Pegula’s third straight quarter‑final appearance in New York and continued her recent dominance over Sabalenka, including a victory at last month’s Cincinnati Open and a five‑match winning streak against her compatriot. "It was really tough, really physical, I wasn’t serving my best, I was fighting a lot of demons out there," Pegula admitted after her win over Navarro. "I have a short‑term memory – every time I step on court I have to tell the negative part of me to shut up and just play tennis and compete." The broader context of the tournament adds another layer of intrigue.
Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this season, is currently battling Zheng. If Rybakina advances, she will overtake Sabalenka in the rankings regardless of the US Open outcome. Conversely, a loss for Rybakina would keep the door open for Pegula or Gauff to claim the top spot, provided they capture the title. Analyzing Sabalenka’s performance, Sky Sports’ Tim Henman praised her mental fortitude in high‑pressure moments.
"Some of her dip in form has been in lesser tournaments where her intensity wasn’t as sharp," Henman noted. "But when you face top‑quality opponents, she steps up.
Her tie‑break record is phenomenal – she delivers the big shots when it matters most." The match statistics underline Sabalenka’s dominance in crucial points. She broke Noskova to love in the second game, building a 5‑2 lead before the Czech rallied to 6‑6. The first tie‑break was one‑sided, with Noskova’s sole point coming from an ace; Sabalenka’s power sealed the set. In the second set, Noskova saved early break points and even broke Sabalenka at 3‑2, capitalising on a double fault from the world No.
1. Sabalenka responded by saving a break point with an ace of her own, eventually losing the second set 3‑6. The third set was a nail‑biter. Noskova broke Sabalenka in the fifth game, gaining a 2‑1 advantage, but Sabalenka’s resilience shone through as she fought back to level at 4‑4.
The ensuing tie‑break was fiercely contested, yet Sabalenka’s experience in pressure situations saw her prevail 10‑7, sending her into the semifinals. Looking ahead, the Sabalenka‑Pegula semifinal promises a clash of contrasting styles: Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline power versus Pegula’s tenacious, counter‑punching game. Both players have shown the ability to dig deep under pressure, and the winner will likely carry the momentum into the final, where a historic three‑peat awaits. For fans wanting to follow the action, the US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports until Sunday, September 13.
Viewers can also stream matches and other top‑level sports without a contract through the NOW platform. The tournament’s drama, from ranking battles to potential historic achievements, ensures that the excitement will keep building right up to the championship match.