Sabalenka, Pegula reach US Open semis as Tiafoe stuns Michelsen

NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka survived a thrilling three-set battle against Linda Noskova to reach the US Open semi-finals for a sixth consecutive year, while American Frances Tiafoe produced a remarkable comeback to book his place in the final four at Flushing Meadows.

The two-time defending champion defeated Wimbledon champion Noskova 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (10/7) in a dramatic quarter-final on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka appeared to be in serious trouble in the deciding set after Noskova moved 4-2 ahead. The Belarusian world number one had also committed two double faults in the fifth game, allowing her opponent to seize the advantage.

But Sabalenka regrouped immediately, breaking Noskova to love to level the set at 4-4.

The match eventually went to a 10-point deciding tiebreak. Sabalenka fell 2-0 behind but fought back before sealing the contest with a bold second-serve ace.

“What a battle,” Sabalenka told the crowd, admitting she had pushed herself to the limit.

Noskova, 21, produced an impressive performance, firing 18 aces and 46 winners, compared with Sabalenka’s 42 winners. She also became the first player to take a set from Sabalenka at this year’s tournament.

The victory extended Sabalenka’s winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 18 matches.

Sabalenka will now meet American Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.

Pegula advanced after defeating compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The upcoming meeting carries plenty of history. Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the 2024 US Open final and again in the 2025 semi-finals.

For Sabalenka, the tournament is also crucial for her world number one ranking. She has held the top position since October 2024, but second-ranked Elena Rybakina can overtake her if she wins her quarter-final against Zheng Qinwen.

Sabalenka has won four Grand Slam titles but endured disappointing early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.

On the men’s side, American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe delivered one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks.

Tiafoe recovered from two sets down and overcame a 3-0 deficit in the fifth set to defeat 22-year-old Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10/6).

The marathon lasted four hours and 38 minutes.

Michelsen, ranked 46th, had reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final without dropping a set and even served for the match at 5-4 in the third.

Tiafoe, however, gradually found his rhythm and refused to surrender.

“He is a hell of a player,” Tiafoe said of Michelsen, who broke down in tears after the match. “He should have easily won today.”

The victory sent Tiafoe into his third US Open semi-final in five years.

He will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or American eighth seed Ben Shelton.

Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, entered the tournament after more than four months away from competition while recovering from a right wrist injury, setting up another intriguing test in New York.