Aryna Sabalenka overcame Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) in a dramatic US Open quarter-final to reach the semifinals and keep her hopes of a third consecutive title alive.
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Key facts
- Sabalenka beat Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) in the quarter-final.
- The win keeps alive Sabalenka's bid for a third straight US Open title.
- Sabalenka is the top seed; Noskova was the sixth seed.
- Her US Open title and No 1 ranking were on the line in the match.
- Sabalenka said: 'I was pushing myself to the limit.'
Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open semifinals after a brutal quarter-final against Linda Noskova, holding off the sixth seed to keep alive her hopes of a third straight title, according to Al Jazeera and the Guardian.
The defending champion won 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) in a match the Guardian described as astonishing. Sabalenka came through despite showing the strain that has affected much of her year.
According to the Guardian, it seemed for some time that Sabalenka would be consumed by the rage and anxiety that has smothered her for much of this year. At 2-2 in the deciding set, a second double fault of the game left her facing a 0-40 deficit. She fell to her knees, bowed her head and screamed, and soon trailed 2-4 in the set.
The Guardian reported that over her past five arduous months, Sabalenka has reliably unravelled under pressure. But at the final grand slam of the year, with her US Open title and No 1 ranking on the line, this was described as her last chance to salvage her season.
The top seed finally found a response, recovering to win the match and book her place in the semifinals. Reflecting on the effort afterwards, Sabalenka said: ‘I was pushing myself to the limit.’
The victory means Sabalenka remains on course to defend her crown in New York and to protect her position at the top of the rankings.
Why it matters
Sabalenka's comeback keeps her bid for a third consecutive US Open title alive and protects her No 1 ranking. After a year in which she has struggled under pressure, the win marks a significant test of her resilience at the season's final grand slam.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of Sabalenka's match against Noskova?
Sabalenka won 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7), according to the Guardian.
What is at stake for Sabalenka at this US Open?
According to the Guardian, Sabalenka's US Open title and her No 1 ranking were on the line, and she is aiming for a third straight title at the tournament.
What did Sabalenka say after the match?
Sabalenka said, 'I was pushing myself to the limit,' as reported by the Guardian.
Timeline
- Gauff beats Andreeva to reach US Open semifinals in comeback win
Al Jazeera: Coco Gauff sets up US Open semifinal with Elena Rybakina after saving two match points against Mirra Andreeva.
- Sabalenka shows fighting spirit to deny Noskova and reach US Open semis
The Guardian Sport: Defending champion wins 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) Sabalenka: ‘I was pushing myself to the limit’ It seemed for some time that Aryna Sabalenka would be consumed by the rage and anxiety that has smothered her for so much of this year. At 2-2 in the final set of her brutal quarter-final
- Aryna Sabalenka beats Linda Noskova to reach US Open semifinals
Al Jazeera: Aryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova to keep alive hopes of a third straight US Open title.