Aryna Sabalenka Survives Linda Noskova Scare to Keep US Open Title Hopes Alive

Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka celebrated winning her quarterfinal match against Czech Republic's Linda Noskova on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka rallied in the final set to beat Linda Noskova in a match tiebreaker on Tuesday, securing her place in a sixth straight US Open semifinal.

Sabalenka triumphed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) over the 21-year-old Wimbledon champion, striking 42 winners but converting just two of her nine break point chances against the resilient Czech. Trailing 4-2 in the third set, Sabalenka appeared headed for another Grand Slam disappointment before regrouping and breaking Noskova to love to make it 4-4. They headed into a tiebreaker, where Sabalenka overcame dropping the first two points to seal the victory with a courageous second-serve ace.

Noskova fired 18 aces and 46 total winners, becoming the first player to take a set off Sabalenka in the tournament. Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka said she pushed herself to the limit, especially in the third set, and felt loose enough to go for her shots after thinking the match was over.

Sabalenka has now won 18 straight matches at Flushing Meadows as she pursues a third consecutive title. The Belarusian will next face the winner of the quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. Meanwhile, in the men's draw, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz prepares to face Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe takes on Alex Michelsen.