Sabalenka Rallies From Match Point to Keep US Open Dream Alive

Aryna Sabalenka thought her US Open title defense was over, down 4-2 in the final set and staring at defeat before pulling off one of the tournament's most impressive comebacks.

The defending champion fought back from the brink to beat Linda Noskova 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 in a two-and-a-half-hour thriller at Flushing Meadows. She trailed 2-0 in the final tiebreak before storming back to seal the victory with a nerveless second-serve ace.

"I honestly thought that that's it, the match is over," Sabalenka said after the match. "But probably that's what helped me to feel loose and go after my shots."

The win extends her remarkable US Open winning streak to 19 consecutive matches. She hasn't lost at the tournament since the 2023 final and becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach six straight semifinals at the venue.

What makes this victory even more meaningful is how it signals a mental breakthrough for the 28-year-old. Sabalenka has struggled with emotional control in the past, most recently losing from a set up at the French Open. But this time, she kept her composure even when the situation looked hopeless.

The match had everything. Sabalenka raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set before getting broken serving for it. She hit four double faults and wasted multiple break point chances throughout the match, yet never let frustration take over.

Why This Inspires

Athletes talk about mental toughness all the time, but Sabalenka showed us what it actually looks like. When she thought the match was lost, something shifted. That freedom allowed her to swing freely and play her best tennis at the most critical moment.

Her journey this year has been bumpy, with early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati raising doubts about her form. But reaching another US Open semifinal proves that perseverance and staying positive through rough patches pays off.

Now she's one step closer to making history with a third straight US Open title. Whether or not she keeps her world number one ranking, Sabalenka has already won something more valuable: proof that she can handle pressure when it matters most.