Sabalenka fights back to keep US Open defence alive

Aryna Sabalenka suffered a setback to her US Open title hopes as she fought back from three sets down to defeat Slovakia's Linda Noskova in three sets. The 28-year-old Russian, who had not lost since the 2023 final, trailed 4-2 in the third set and 2-0 in the tie-break before turning the match around with a 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 7-6 (10-7) victory in just over two and a half hours.

This win marks her 19th consecutive victory at the tournament, and she becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six consecutive semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. The win also temporarily keeps Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings, although she will relinquish it if second-ranked Elena Rybakina beats Zheng Qinwen on Wednesday.

Sabalenka expressed relief at reaching a third consecutive semi-final at the US Open, stating that she is "super happy" to have put herself in a position to potentially win her third title. She will next face either American Jessica Pegula or compatriot Emma Navarro in the semi-finals.