Full Breakdown
Sabalenka Staves Off Noskova to Keep US Open Three-Peat Bid Alive
9/9/2026, 1:31:18 AM
Core Event: Quarterfinal Thriller in New York
On Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) to advance to her sixth consecutive US Open semifinal. Sabalenka saved a 4-2 deficit in the deciding set and rallied from 0-2 down in the final-set tiebreak, sealing the win with a second-serve ace. The match featured 46 winners from Noskova and 42 from Sabalenka, with Noskova serving 18 aces to Sabalenka’s 12.
Background & Context
Sabalenka entered as the two-time defending champion and top seed, having held the world No. 1 ranking for 99 weeks. A victory would give her a chance to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win three straight US Open titles. The win also temporarily preserved her No. 1 status; she will drop to No. 2 if Elena Rybakina defeats Zheng Qinwen in their quarterfinal.
Data & Statistics
- Match score: 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7)
- Winners: Noskova 46, Sabalenka 42
- Aces: Noskova 18, Sabalenka 12
- Break-point conversion: Sabalenka 2 of 9
- Sabalenka’s US Open tiebreak record: 10 straight tiebreak wins, 19 consecutive match wins at Flushing Meadows
- Head-to-head: Sabalenka leads Noskova 3-0 (including Adelaide International 2023 and Indian Wells 2026)
Official Statements & Responses
Sabalenka acknowledged the ranking stakes, noting she will drop to No. 2 if Rybakina beats Qinwen. The USTA reiterated its smoke-free policy after spectators reported the smell of marijuana during matches, confirming security will enforce the rule when notified.
Verbatim Quote
- “What a battle. What an incredible player she is and I’m speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in the third set.” — Aryna Sabalenka
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the first-set tiebreak score: most report 7-6, while a few list it as 7-1. All agree on the overall set scores and the decisive 10-point tiebreak in the third set. No other substantive discrepancies were identified.
What’s Next
Sabalenka will face the winner of the all-American quarterfinal between third seed Jessica Pegula and 26th seed Emma Navarro on Thursday. A win would send her to a fourth consecutive US Open final and keep her title hopes alive, while also maintaining her ranking provided Rybakina does not reach the semifinals.
