Aryna Sabalenka kept her quest for a third straight US Open crown alive by edging out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a gripping three‑set quarter‑final clash. The hard‑fought victory not only propelled Sabalenka into the semifinals but also guaranteed her the world No.
1 ranking for at least another day, as the points from this win offset any immediate threats. The 28‑year‑old Belarusian triumphed over Noskova with a scoreline of 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, sealing the match with a decisive second‑serve ace that sent her through to a showdown with American Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka must capture the title in New York if she hopes to retain her top‑ranking spot.
However, she could still lose the No. 1 position if Elena Rybakina—who bested her in the Australian Open final earlier this year—overcomes Qinwen Zheng in her own quarter‑final on Wednesday. Should Rybakina fall, the ranking could swing to Pegula or Coco Gauff, provided either of them clinches the championship on Saturday night at Flushing Meadows.
Having held the world No. 1 ranking for 99 consecutive weeks, Sabalenka is on the brink of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win the US Open three years in a row. Her record at the tournament is impeccable: she has never lost a US Open quarter‑final and has won her last ten tie‑breaks at the venue.
Noskova, the 21‑year‑old Czech, fought valiantly. She forced a first‑set tie‑break after trailing 5‑2, but a double fault at 3‑3 in the deciding set tie‑break and a slip that resulted in an 8‑6 loss after an unfortunate net cord cost her the match. This defeat extended Sabalenka’s flawless head‑to‑head record against Noskova to 3‑0; the pair previously met in the Adelaide International final in 2023 and at the Indian Wells semi‑finals earlier this season.
Noskova’s loss also ended any chance of her becoming the first woman since Naomi Osaka to claim back‑to‑back Grand Slam titles, after Osaka’s 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open triumphs. Osaka’s own 11‑match major winning streak was snapped, and Noskova’s hopes of a similar feat faded with the quarter‑final exit. In the other quarter‑final, Pegula secured her third consecutive US Open quarter‑final appearance by clawing back from a break down in the third set to defeat Emma 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 has enjoyed a string of recent successes against her compatriot, including a win at the Cincinnati Open last month, giving her confidence heading into the semifinal.
"It was really tough, really physical, I wasn't serving my best, I was fighting a lot of demons out there," Pegula said 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 me to shut up and just play tennis and compete." Sabalenka, speaking in her post‑match interview, reflected on the mental aspect of the battle: "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 kinds of 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, taking four of the next five games to level the set at 6‑6. In the ensuing tie‑break, Sabalenka dominated, winning 7‑1 as Noskova managed only a single point from an ace.
The second set saw Noskova hold her serve early, even saving break points, but Sabalenka’s relentless pressure eventually forced a break, allowing Noskova to capture the set 6‑3. In the final set, Noskova surged ahead by breaking Sabalenka in the fifth game, capitalising on two double‑faults from the world No.
1. Sabalenka, however, dug deep, breaking back to level the set at 4‑4.
The tension peaked as the match headed into a second tie‑break, this one far more contested than the first. Sabalenka’s composure under pressure shone through once again, as she clinched the breaker 10‑7 and secured her place in the semifinals. Former British champion Tim Henman, commenting for Sky Sports Tennis, praised Sabalenka’s mental fortitude: "Some of her dip in form has been in smaller tournaments where her intensity and concentration haven't been as sharp. But when you face a top‑level opponent, you have to step up.
Her tie‑break record is phenomenal. In the most pressure‑filled moments, she's the one delivering the big shots." Looking ahead, the semifinal promises a high‑stakes encounter between two of the sport's biggest names.
Should Sabalenka prevail, she will be on the cusp of a historic three‑peat; a Pegula victory would mark a significant breakthrough for the American and could reshape the year‑end rankings. The US Open continues to deliver drama, with the final set to be played on Saturday evening, and fans worldwide eagerly awaiting the outcome. For those wanting to follow the action live, the tournament is broadcast on Sky Sports through Sunday, September 13, with streaming available via NOW without a contract.