Emotional Aryna Sabalenka left 'speechless' after knocking out Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to make US Open semi-finals - with one eye on a New York 'three-peat'

By TAMARA PRENN, SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

As her status as the best in the world hangs by a thread, Aryna Sabalenka proved she is still the player for the big occasion as she fended off an electric comeback by Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova to win 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) for a place in the US Open semi-finals.

Sabalenka said after the match that she would gladly exchange her ranking to get her hands on the trophy, and played the match of the tournament to prove she has what it takes to challenge for the ‘three-peat’ at Flushing Meadows.

The 28-year-old saw her record-breaking streak of 21 consecutive tiebreaks won ended brutally at Wimbledon by Naomi Osaka, but inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka was nerveless as she won two against an opponent more than up for the fight.

Those tuned in at the start of the match might have predicted a rout. As bulletproof on serve as she has been in New York, Sabalenka looked to comfortably sweep the first set at 5-2.

But Noskova has built a reputation this summer for comebacks like the one that won her the Wimbledon title two months ago. Against Sabalenka, Noskova recovered her poise to force the tiebreak, and despite going a set down, kept her head as a Sabalenka double fault handed her the crucial break in the second.

Sabalenka was down, but not out, and her level rose with the occasion in the third. Noskova kept pace, even holding steadily during a baffling decision by tournament organisers to close the roof for shade mid-match, with the 21-year-old 5-4 down. It would again take a tiebreak to split the two players.

Aryna Sabalenka roared her way to a spot in the US Open semi-finals after beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova

'I have to say that knowing that physically my body can handle these matches again, I'm super happy with that,' Sabalenka said when asked how proud she felt of coming through the match in three sets. The world No1 has lost three matches since the Madrid Open after leading in the first set, and two after winning the second.

'Of course, tight matches give you so much confidence that you're back, and you're ready to do anything it takes to get the win. So this match definitely gives me boost of energy and motivation.'

The magnitude of the battle saw Sabalenka overcome with emotion as she reflected on her game. ‘It shows I’m ready to fight,’ she said with tears in her eyes. Anyone looking to dethrone her should heed that warning.