Aryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova in three-set tiebreak to reach US Open semi-finals

Deciding tiebreak at Arthur Ashe Stadium

World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the U.S. Open semi-finals for the sixth consecutive year on Tuesday, defeating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes, pushing the two-time defending champion to a deciding 10-point tiebreak after falling behind by a break in the final set. Sabalenka had not dropped a single set in the tournament prior to facing the 21-year-old Czech sixth seed. The victory preserved Sabalenka's bid to retain her world number one ranking and pursue a third consecutive U.S. Open title.

Momentum swings across three sets

Sabalenka opened the match with a love hold capped by an ace and broke Noskova in the second game on her way to an early 3-0 lead. Noskova settled in from the baseline, matching pace to break back in the ninth game with a series of powerful returns before Sabalenka dominated the tiebreak 7-1. In the second set, Sabalenka failed to convert three break points in the opening game and squandered another in the fifth. Serving at 2-3, Sabalenka saved a break point at 15-40 with a 112 mph serve, but double-faulted on the next point to concede a 4-2 lead. Noskova, who fired 18 aces and saved seven of nine break points throughout the match, closed out the set on her fourth set point with an ace.

Third-set recovery and deciding points

The deciding set remained closely contested as Noskova capitalized on two Sabalenka double faults midway through the frame to secure a service break. Sabalenka recovered in the eighth game to level the score at 4-4, sending the match into a 10-point tiebreak. After Noskova won the first two points, Sabalenka fought back to take the lead and clinched the match on her first match point with an ace on a second serve.

What a battle. I was pushing myself to the limit in this match especially in the third set. I honestly thought the match was over and that's what helped me to feel loose and go for my shots.

Reactions and tournament outlook

Noskova reached the U.S. Open quarter-finals for the first time in her career, having risen to a career-high world number six ranking in August following her title run at Wimbledon. Speaking after the match, the Czech player discussed her immediate plans in the city as well as the motivational value of the contest.

I'm going to stay for, like, three more days. I'm going to get drunk and forget about this, I guess. I'm old enough to do that, thankfully.

Noskova added that facing the top-ranked player reminded her of her competitive level among the WTA tour elite, noting that ranking positions matter less than feeling solid on court. Sabalenka advances to play the semi-final on Friday, 11 September 2026, against the winner of the quarter-final between American third seed Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.