Sabalenka survives Noskova to reach US Open semi-finals
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Linda Noskova in two tie-breaks to keep her bid for a third consecutive US Open title alive, while her world No 1 ranking remains under threat.
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the US Open semi-finals after defeating Linda Noskova 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a tightly contested quarter-final.
The victory preserved Sabalenka’s bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014 to win the US Open three years in succession. She has never lost a quarter-final at the tournament.
Sabalenka recovered from a 4-2 deficit in the deciding set before prevailing in the second tie-break. The result also extended her career record against Noskova to 3-0 and ended the Czech player’s 11-match winning streak in major tournaments.
Sabalenka will face the winner of the all-American quarter-final between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro. Her world No 1 ranking is secure for at least one more day, according to Sky Sports.
The ranking position remains conditional on later results. Sabalenka will lose the top spot if Elena Rybakina defeats Qinwen Zheng in their quarter-final, while Pegula or Coco Gauff could also rise to No 1 by winning the tournament if Rybakina is beaten.
