Sabalenka Survives Scare to Set Up US Open Semi-Final Clash with Pegula
Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a set and a break down to defeat Linda Noskova in a three-set thriller, winning 7-6, 3-6, 7-6. She will face Jessica Pegula, who also rallied to beat Emma Navarro in three sets. Sabalenka is aiming for a third consecutive US Open title and remains world number one for now.
Sabalenka’s victory extended her unbeaten run at Flushing Meadows to 19 matches, a streak dating back to the 2023 final. She also became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six consecutive US Open semi-finals, while her tie-break record at the event now stands at 10 straight wins. Noskova, despite the loss, had saved seven of nine break points and committed fewer unforced errors, ending her own 11-match Grand Slam singles winning streak.
The match marked the first time Sabalenka was pushed to a deciding set this tournament, and she credited her near-defeat for loosening her play. Her opponent in the semi-final, Jessica Pegula, also rallied from a set down, defeating Emma Navarro. Sabalenka’s bid for a third straight title remains alive, though her world number one ranking could slip if Elena Rybakina wins her quarter-final on Wednesday.
This result may reinforce Sabalenka’s reputation as a clutch performer on hard courts, potentially influencing how younger players approach pressure moments. For Pegula, a win would be a career-defining breakthrough on home soil, likely boosting American tennis interest. The match could also shape rankings narratives, as Rybakina’s simultaneous progress adds uncertainty to the No. 1 spot. Fans and analysts may see this as a test of whether sustained dominance or emerging challengers define the women’s game’s near future.