Sabalenka survives Noskova thriller to reach sixth straight U.S. Open semi-final

NEW YORK — World number one Aryna Sabalenka survived a dramatic test against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Tuesday, beating the Czech 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(10-7) to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals for a sixth consecutive year.

Defending champion Sabalenka had not dropped a set at Flushing Meadows before meeting sixth-seeded Noskova, who struck 18 aces and saved seven of nine break points.

Noskova twice held a break advantage in the deciding set but could not close out the match as Sabalenka recovered to force a final-set tiebreak.

The Belarusian, chasing a third consecutive U.S. Open title, dominated the opening-set tiebreak after racing to a 6-0 lead. Noskova responded in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 advantage after Sabalenka committed a double fault and eventually levelled the match.

Sabalenka appeared in trouble again in the third set when two double faults helped Noskova break and move ahead. The world number one regained her composure, however, breaking back in the eighth game to take the match into another tiebreak.

Sabalenka held her nerve in the decider, winning 10-7 and sealing victory with an ace.

“What a battle. What an incredible player she is. I’m speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit this match,” Sabalenka said.

She will face the winner of the all-American quarter-final between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro for a place in the final.

“I honestly thought, ‘this is it’. It’s a tough match, tough battle,” Sabalenka said.