Sabalenka fights back to keep US Open defence alive

Aryna Sabalenka fought back to keep her US Open title hopes alive, overcoming a challenging match against Linda Noskova in three sets. The 28-year-old Belarusian began the match strongly, breaking Noskova's serve early on and leading 5-2, but struggled to maintain the momentum in subsequent sets. She trailed 4-2 in the third set and 2-0 in the tie-break before rallying to secure victory in just under two and a half hours.

This win marks Sabalenka's 19th consecutive victory at the US Open, a streak that began in the 2023 final. She has now reached six consecutive semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, a first in her career, surpassing Serena Williams' record from 2016. The win also temporarily keeps Sabalenka in the top ranking, though she will relinquish it if world number two Elena Rybakina defeats Zheng Qinwen later in the tournament.

Sabalenka will next face either Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro in the semi-finals, aiming for her fourth consecutive US Open final. Despite her emotional history, particularly during her recent quarter-final loss at the French Open, Sabalenka demonstrated impressive composure and resilience in this match, suggesting a possible shift in her form.