NEW YORK : Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a stern test from sixth seed Linda Noskova to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals on Tuesday, while home fans awaited a pair of all-American men’s and women’s quarter-finals.
Sabalenka, who had not dropped a set in New York this year, was pushed to the limit by the Czech Wimbledon champion before prevailing 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(10-7).
The Belarusian recovered from a mid-match dip in form to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals for a sixth consecutive year, sealing victory with a bold ace off a second serve in the deciding tiebreak.
“What a battle,” Sabalenka said. “I’m speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit.”
Sabalenka’s victory reinforced her reputation as one of the game’s strongest performers in tiebreaks.
Earlier on Arthur Ashe Stadium, American Frances Tiafoe faced compatriot Alex Michelsen, with both players seeking to end a 23-year wait for a U.S. men’s champion at Flushing Meadows.
Michelsen, 22, was bidding to extend his deepest run at a Grand Slam, while Tiafoe was seeking a third appearance in the semi-finals.
The second all-American quarter-final featured third seed Jessica Pegula against Emma Navarro, a matchup quickly dubbed the “Battle of the Billionaires” because of their family backgrounds.
Pegula, whose father Terry owns the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, was among three players who could displace Sabalenka as world number one at the tournament. She had won all four of her previous meetings with Navarro, whose father Ben is a billionaire businessman.
Later, eighth seed Ben Shelton was due to face second seed Carlos Alcaraz, with the American hoping to draw on the home support against the reigning champion.
Alcaraz has lost only one of his last 32 Grand Slam matches, a run dating back to his title-winning campaign at Roland Garros last year.
Shelton, meanwhile, was bidding to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals for the second time.
