9 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a thrilling quarter-final against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, winning 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) to reach the US Open semi-finals and keep her bid for a third consecutive title alive.
The defending champion was pushed to the limit by the sixth-seeded Czech, who produced 18 aces and saved seven of nine break points. Sabalenka eventually prevailed in a tense deciding-set tiebreak.
Sabalenka Survives Huge Test
Sabalenka made a strong start and took the opening set in a tiebreak, but Noskova responded by taking the second set 6-3.
The Czech then appeared to have the advantage in the deciding set after moving ahead by a break. Sabalenka, however, regained her composure and forced the match into another tiebreak before sealing victory 10-7.
Third Straight US Open Title in Sight
The victory keeps Sabalenka’s pursuit of a US Open three-peat firmly alive.
The Belarusian is attempting to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win the tournament three years in a row. Williams achieved the feat from 2012 to 2014.
Sabalenka has also reached the US Open semi-finals for a sixth consecutive year, underlining her remarkable consistency at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula Awaits in the Semi-Finals
Sabalenka’s semi-final opponent will be American Jessica Pegula, who defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the last four for the third straight year.
The match will be a rematch of their previous US Open encounters, adding another layer to Sabalenka’s title defence.
World No. 1 Ranking Also at Stake
Sabalenka’s tournament has another major subplot: the battle for the WTA No. 1 ranking.
While the Belarusian remains at the top for now, Elena Rybakina is among the players who could challenge her position depending on results in New York. Sabalenka has made it clear that completing the US Open three-peat is her bigger priority.
Noskova Leaves With Plenty of Credit
Despite the defeat, Noskova produced one of the strongest performances against Sabalenka in this year’s tournament.
The 21-year-old Wimbledon champion showed aggressive serving and baseline play, forcing the defending champion into a gruelling battle. Noskova also recovered from losing the opening set and held a commanding position in the deciding set before Sabalenka fought back.
Sabalenka’s Resilience Makes the Difference
The match highlighted one of Sabalenka’s biggest strengths: her ability to remain composed during pressure-filled moments.
With the match hanging in the balance, she found the necessary shots and serving power to turn the deciding tiebreak in her favour.
A Historic Opportunity
Sabalenka is now just two victories away from completing one of the most difficult achievements in modern tennis—a third consecutive US Open championship.
Her semi-final against Pegula will provide another major test as she attempts to move one step closer to history.