Aryna Sabalenka kept her hopes of a third straight US Open title alive as she overcame a stern test against Linda Noskova to reach the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. 

Sabalenka was put through her paces during a 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 7-6 (10-8) victory in two hours and 21 minutes, with either Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro up next. 

The top seed will also, however, be watching Elena Rybakina's quarter-final with Qinwen Zheng with interest.

Should Rybakina former win, she will dethrone Sabalenka as the new world number one, regardless of who goes on to win the tournament. 

A blistering start to the match from Sabalenka saw her break Noskova to surge into a 3-0 lead, with the Belarusian then missing two further break points in the sixth game. 

Noskova made the most of her reprieve, getting the better of her opponent's serve to force a tie-break, but she failed to maintain her momentum as Sabalenka took the set.

But Noskova regained her composure after a nervy first game in the second set, where she defended two break points, before getting the break she craved. 

Sabalenka then had to defend a set point, which she did, but Noskova was able to force a decider, though she had to wait until her fourth attempt to take the match the distance. 

Noskova assumed control of the third set after breaking Sabalenka in the fifth game, but the defending US Open champion was intent on not letting her crown slip away. 

She broke Noskova to love before storming to victory in the tie-break, sealing her progression with her 12th ace of an enthralling encounter. 

"What a battle, what an incredible player she is," Sabalenka said. "I'm speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially the third set.

"I honestly thought that's it, the match is over. Super happy to get this win, thank you guys for being amazing. Thank you for the support."

Fighter

Aryna Sabalenka holds firm to outlast Noskova for a semifinal spot! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/lrv7jBOHrk

— wta (@WTA) September 8, 2026

Super Sabalenka seals another semi-final berth

Having breezed to the quarter-finals with four straight-set victories, Sabalenka's title credentials were given their first real test in New York by Noskova, and she showcased her grit and determination to get herself over the line and into the final hour.

Sabalenka is now the sixth player in the Open Era to reach 6+ consecutive women's singles semi-finals at the US Open, after Chris Evert (16, 1971-1986), Steffi Graf (seven, 1985-1991), Martina Hingis (six, 1996-2001), Venus Williams (six, 1997-2002) and Serena Williams (six, 2011-2016).

The Belarusian has also now reached her 15th grand slam semi-final in 34 main-draw appearances. It is the fewest appearances required to reach 15 semi-finals since Kim Clijsters (31) at the Australian Open in 2011. 

But things will only get tougher for Sabalenka. Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Pegula and Mirra Andreeva are still in the tournament, while Sabalenka could also have to deal with losing the world number one spot should Rybakina progress.