Sabalenka makes great escape to reach USO semis

Aryna Sabalenka scored a must-win victory on Tuesday to salvage her US Open title hat-trick chances and her world No. 1 status as she fought past Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) to reach her sixth consecutive semi-final at the event.

The top seed is fighting to maintain her status while working to lift a third straight title in New York after 99 weeks on world No. 1. She is under threat from Elena Rybakina, who could knock her out of the top spot with a quarter-final win later over China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

Sabalenka delivered a timely second serve ace on match point against Wimbledon holder Noskova to end nearly two and a half hours of struggle between the Grand Slam winners in which Sabalenka lost her first set of this edition.

“What a battle, what an incredible player she is, I’m speechless,” the winner said. “I had to push myself to the limit.

“I’m super happy to get this win. These tight matches have big pressure. But a win helps to boost my confidence, energy and motivation. 

“I’m glad I made an ace on match point, it shows I’m ready to fight.”:

Sabalenka snuck out the opening set after being broken while serving for it 5-3 but managed to dominate a tiebreaker for the early lead.

But Noskova fired back in the second, running out to 5-2 and levelling the quarter-final with ace on her fourth set point.

Both women lifted in the third, exchanging service breaks, with Sabalenka winning three straight games to 4-5. The pair stayed level until the deciding set match tiebreak where Sabalenka managed to squeze through for the win.

“In the second set, I thought that was it,” she said. “The match seemed over but I played loose and went for my shots.

With trophies here in 2024 and 2025, Sabalenka is hoping to become the first since Serena Williams to win three New York titles in a row. 

Main photo:-Aryna Sabalenka recovers to reach USO Semis – by ISF Ltd