US Open 2026 results: Aryna Sabalenka fights back against Linda Noskova to keep title defence alive
Aryna Sabalenka is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, with two titles apiece at the Australian Open and US Open
Aryna Sabalenka thought she had lost her US Open crown before leaving herself "speechless" as she battled back to beat Linda Noskova in three sets and advance to the semi-finals.
It was the 28-year-old's 19th consecutive win at the tournament, having not tasted defeat since the 2023 final, while she becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six successive semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.
Asked if she would be happy if she retained her US Open title but Rybakina replaced her at the head of the standings, Sabalenka said: "I'll be more than happy. Three-peat - sounds great.
Sabalenka will continue her bid to reach a fourth consecutive US Open final against Jessica Pegula, after the American third seed pulled off an impressive fightback of her own to defeat compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6 6-4 6-3.
But as in her previous match against Taylor Townsend, when she had her serve broken four times and trailed 3-1 in the second set, Sabalenka showed impressive composure to emerge victorious against Wimbledon champion Noskova.
"I honestly thought that that's it, the match is over, but probably that's what helped me to feel loose and go after my shots."
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Sabalenka began the match in cruise control, breaking in sixth seed Noskova's opening service game and racing into a 5-2 lead, before being broken as she served for the set.
She wasted three early in the second set before conceding a break in the sixth game with a double fault at 30-40 as Noskova forced a decider.
She then won the tie-break - for a 10th successive time at the US Open - to complete her comeback, sealing the victory with a nerveless second-serve ace.
She suffered last-16 exits in Toronto and Cincinnati in the build-up to the US Open, but has rediscovered something approaching her best form.
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- Aryna Sabalenka is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, with two titles apiece at the Australian Open and US Open
- Aryna Sabalenka thought she had lost her US Open crown before leaving herself "speechless" as she battled back to beat Linda Noskova in three sets and advance to the semi-finals.
- It was the 28-year-old's 19th consecutive win at the tournament, having not tasted defeat since the 2023 final, while she becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six successive semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.
- Asked if she would be happy if she retained her US Open title but Rybakina replaced her at the head of the standings, Sabalenka said: "I'll be more than happy. Three-peat - sounds great.
- Sabalenka will continue her bid to reach a fourth consecutive US Open final against Jessica Pegula, after the American third seed pulled off an impressive fightback of her own to defeat compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6 6-4 6-3.