Sabalenka survives Noskova to return to US Open semi-finals

NEW YORK – Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka edged Elena Noskova in a thrilling three-set match, advancing to the US Open semi-finals on Tuesday. Sabalenka, who had not dropped a set in the quarter-finals, pushed herself to the limit, especially in the third set, to overcome Noskova. The Czech, a sixth-seeded Wimbledon winner, fired 46 winners and 18 aces in a fierce encounter at Arthur Armstrong Stadium.

Sabalenka, trailing 4-2 in the third set, dug deep and broke back. She eventually won the tiebreaker, clinching the match with a fearless second-serve ace. "I just felt at some point in the third set she was definitely serving better than me and putting so much pressure on me, but I'm glad that I kind of, like, threw that thought away and I was able to focus point by point," Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka must retain her title to maintain her number one ranking, and could slip from the summit if Elena Rybkina wins her quarter-final match against Zheng Qinwen.