Sabalenka Reaches US Open Semis, Chasing Third Straight Title
Aryna Sabalenka sealed the match with a second-serve ace in the final tiebreak to eliminate Linda Noskova and advance to the US Open semifinals.
- Sabalenka won 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) in two hours and 22 minutes.
- Noskova fired 18 aces and 46 winners but fell short.
- Sabalenka converted just 2 of 9 break point chances in the match.
- Noskova was the first player to take a set off Sabalenka this tournament.
Why it matters: The result carries ranking stakes beyond the trophy. If Elena Rybakina wins her quarterfinal against Qinwen Zheng, she takes the No. 1 ranking regardless of what Sabalenka does.
- 18 consecutive match wins at Flushing Meadows for Sabalenka entering the semifinals.
- Noskova narrowly missed becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the US Open semis after winning Wimbledon.
How 10 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center leads with the ranking stakes and match facts, treating the outcome as significant for both the title race and the No. 1 spot.
USA Today6hAryna Sabalenka survives Linda Noskova in three-set thriller at US Open quarterfinalsNewNews4Jax6hAryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova to keep alive hopes of a 3rd straight US Open title
Reuters2hNoskova plans to 'get drunk and forget' after heartbreaking loss to Sabalenka
BBC News5hUS Open 2026 results: Aryna Sabalenka fights back against Linda Noskova to keep title defence alive
Forbes6h2-Time U.S. Open Winner Aryna Sabalenka Remains Alive For 3-Peat
Heavy9hAryan Sabalenka’s Fiancé Georgios Frangulis Reveals Superstition at US OpenLeft coverage, 2 sources: The left focuses on the competitive drama and Sabalenka's resilience, framing the match as a test of her championship credentials amid a difficult season.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right emphasizes Sabalenka's emotional journey and her determination to prove doubters wrong, foregrounding her tears and competitive fire.
Daily Mail4hEmotional Aryna Sabalenka left 'speechless' after knocking out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to make US Open semi-finals - with one eye on a New York 'three-peat'
The Sun5hScreaming Aryna Sabalenka could LOSE world No1 ranking tomorrow despite coming through scare to keep US Open hopes aliveWhat’s next: Sabalenka plays the winner of No. 3 Pegula vs. No. 26 Navarro on Thursday. Pegula holds a 4-0 career record against Navarro.
- On the men's side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces No. 8 Ben Shelton in Tuesday's quarterfinal.
- No. 11 Frances Tiafoe meets 22-year-old Alex Michelsen in the other men's quarterfinal.
- Will Rybakina's quarterfinal result strip Sabalenka of the No. 1 ranking before the tournament ends?
- Can Sabalenka, who exited early at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year, sustain this form through two more matches?