Aryna Sabalenka Defends Title Against Linda Nosková at US Open Quarterfinals

The 2026 US Open quarterfinals began with defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka facing sixth seed Linda Nosková at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka, the world number one, is aiming for a third consecutive US Open singles title and a sixth straight semifinal appearance at the event, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams. The 28-year-old Belarusian has won three hard-court titles this year and remains unbeaten in 18 matches at the US Open, having claimed the title in 2024 and 2025, according to nytimes.com and bbc.com. Scroll To Continue with Content Despite her strong record, Sabalenka has faced challenges this season, including a mid-year slump that narrowed her lead at the top of the WTA rankings to just 434 points ahead of Elena Rybakina. To maintain her number one ranking, Sabalenka must win the US Open and hope Rybakina loses in her quarterfinal match against Zheng Qinwen, as reported by bbc.com. Nosková, the 21-year-old Wimbledon champion, represents Sabalenka's first major test in this tournament. Their previous meeting at Indian Wells saw Sabalenka win comfortably, but Nosková has since improved and reached the US Open quarterfinals by overcoming tough opponents, as noted by theguardian.com. Sabalenka's path to the quarterfinals included four straight-set victories, although she was tested in a fourth-round match against Taylor Townsend where she was broken four times and trailed 3-1 in the second set before winning 6-4, 6-3, according to bbc.com. On the day of the quarterfinals, Sabalenka and Nosková warmed up on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Sabalenka serving first. The match started with Sabalenka quickly gaining an early break despite Nosková's initial double fault. Sabalenka's serve proved strong, including several aces, while Nosková held her own with solid service games and aggressive returning play, as live updates from nytimes.com described. Linda Nosková has only reached one Grand Slam quarterfinal before her Wimbledon title, but she appears unfazed by the big stage and the challenge of facing Sabalenka, whose recent form and interactions with the media suggest she is under considerable pressure, according to theguardian.com. In addition to the women's quarterfinals, the US Open day featured notable men's singles matches, including Frances Tiafoe versus Alex Michelsen and Carlos Alcaraz facing Ben Shelton, with doubles and wheelchair events also underway, as detailed by theguardian.com.