Aryna Sabalenka admitted she was pushed to the limit by Linda Noskova before battling through to the semi-finals of the US Open.
The two-time defending champion needed a deciding-set tie-break to overcome Wimbledon winner Noskova 7-6 (1) 3-6 7-6 (10-7).
It was Sabalenka’s 19th consecutive win at Flushing Meadows, but rarely has she been tested quite as much.
She blew a 5-2 lead in the first set, trailed 4-2 in the third and was 2-0 down in the tie-break.
However, a Noskova double-fault proved costly and Sabalenka finished the job with a 107 mph second-serve ace – her 12th of the match.
“Oh my god, what a battle, what an incredible player she is,” said the 29-year-old from Belarus.
“I’m speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in the third set. I honestly thought ‘that’s it, the match is over’.
“I’m super happy to get this win. This has boosted my energy and my confidence. I’m super glad I made that ace – it just shows that I’m ready to fight.”
It was a tough loss for 21-year-old Noskova, who was bidding to become only the third woman this century – and the first whose surname is not Williams – to win Wimbledon and the US Open back-to-back.
The Czech hit 46 winners to Sabalenka’s 42 in a match of the highest quality on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But for Sabalenka the New York ‘three-peat’, an achievement only Chris Evert and Serena Williams have managed, remains within reach.
