Sabalenka survives Noskova epic to reach US Open semis

Aryna Sabalenka needed a final-set tie-break to defeat Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) in a US Open quarter-final thriller. The victory extends the defending champion's winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 19 matches.

Sabalenka admitted she was pushed to her absolute limit. The Belarusian blew a 5-2 lead in the opening set, trailed 4-2 in the decider, and fell 2-0 behind in the decisive tie-break. A costly double fault from Noskova shifted momentum, and Sabalenka sealed the match with a 107 mph second-serve ace, her 12th of the contest.

"Oh my god, what a battle," Sabalenka said, according to The Independent. "I'm speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in the third set." She added that the win boosted her energy and confidence.

A historic bid falls short

For Linda Noskova, the defeat ended a remarkable bid. The 21-year-old Czech was attempting to become only the third woman this century to win Wimbledon and the US Open consecutively. The only players to achieve that feat since 2000 are Serena and Venus Williams.

The match was one of high quality on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Noskova struck 46 winners to Sabalenka's 42 in a display that belied her recent admission of struggling for form after her Wimbledon triumph. "I have that back," said the sixth seed, referring to her competitive drive. She called the loss good for motivation.

The 'three-peat' remains alive

The win keeps Sabalenka's quest for a US Open 'three-peat' alive. Only Chris Evert and Serena Williams have won three consecutive women's singles titles in New York. "Yes, 'three-peat' sounds great," Sabalenka stated when asked about the prospect.

Her immediate focus, however, is a semi-final against Jessica Pegula. The American third seed came from behind to win her all-American quarter-final against Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

World number one ranking in flux

Sabalenka's hold on the top ranking is precarious. She will lose the world number one spot after 99 weeks if Elena Rybakina wins her quarter-final against Qinwen Zheng. Sabalenka conceded that retaining her US Open title would soften that blow. Pegula also has a mathematical chance to reach number one, but she must win the tournament while relying on a Rybakina loss.

Sabalenka finished her quarter-final with an ace. It was a defiant end to a monumental struggle.