Sabalenka Edges Past Noskova in Thrilling US Open Quarter-Final
Aryna Sabalenka faced a tough challenge from Linda Noskova in the quarter-finals of the US Open, struggling to maintain her form as she battled through to a 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) victory. With this win, the world No. 1 keeps her hopes alive for a third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.
Noskova, who had previously lost both encounters with Sabalenka without winning a set—including a defeat at the Indian Wells semi-finals earlier this year—showed significant improvement this time around. The young Czech player demonstrated her tenacity, particularly after her remarkable fourth-round win against Marta Kostyuk, where she saved five match points.
A Rocky Start for Sabalenka
The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, started off with Sabalenka looking strong, taking an early lead of 5-2 after breaking Noskova’s serve. However, Noskova quickly responded, winning three games in a row to stay in the contest. The first set ultimately went to a tie-break, where Sabalenka showcased her skills, racing to a 6-0 lead and clinching the set 7-1.
In the second set, Noskova bounced back effectively. After benefiting from a double fault by Sabalenka, she surged ahead to 4-2 and held her lead despite Sabalenka’s attempts to break back. Noskova secured the set 6-3, marking Sabalenka’s first dropped set of the tournament.
Intense Final Set
The drama intensified in the third set. Noskova initially gained the upper hand, breaking Sabalenka to lead 4-2, and even earned multiple break points when Sabalenka showed signs of frustration. Despite the pressure, Sabalenka managed to fight back, leveling the score at 4-4 after creating break points of her own.
As the match progressed, neither player could find an opening, leading to a deciding tie-break. Sabalenka took an early lead of 2-0 and later led 6-3. Noskova, however, kept pushing, narrowing the gap to 5-6 before Sabalenka closed out the match with a powerful ace.
Path to History
This victory marks Sabalenka’s sixth consecutive semi-final appearance at the US Open and her fifteenth at a Grand Slam tournament. She becomes only the second woman, after tennis legend Serena Williams, to reach six straight semi-finals at the US Open.
With an ongoing winning streak of 18 matches at this prestigious tournament, Sabalenka stands just two wins away from achieving a remarkable three-peat. After facing a resilient opponent who had previously never taken a set off her, Sabalenka’s ability to stay poised under pressure highlights her status as the world’s top player.
