The encounter saw Sabalenka pushed to the brink, particularly in the deciding third set where she faced a 4-2 deficit. The Belarusian admitted she felt the match slipping away, a mindset that ultimately allowed her to play with more freedom. By finding a crucial break of serve to level the set at 4-4, she regained the momentum needed to force a tiebreaker and eventually seal the win with a powerful second-serve ace.
A Battle of Intensity and Resilience
The match was defined by the aggressive play of both competitors. Noskova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, proved a formidable opponent, recording 46 winners and 18 aces compared to Sabalenka’s 42 winners and 12 aces. Despite the pressure, Sabalenka’s ability to track down drop shots and maintain intensity during critical moments proved decisive. Reflecting on the contest, Sabalenka noted that Noskova’s serving pressure in the final set was immense, but she managed to focus point-by-point to turn the tide.
For Noskova, the loss marked the end of an impressive campaign, representing her deepest run at the U.S. Open to date. The Czech player expressed frustration at letting a lead slip in the final set but acknowledged the high level of tennis produced by her opponent during the match's closing stages.
Road to the Semifinals and Ranking Implications
With this victory, Sabalenka sets up a semifinal showdown against No. 3 seed
Elsewhere in the tournament, the men’s draw saw No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe secure a dramatic comeback victory over Alex Michelsen, winning 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) to reach the semifinals. Tiafoe now awaits the winner of the match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 seed Ben Shelton.
