Sabalenka survives Noskova scare to reach US Open semifinals

Is the five-set format still fit for purpose?

Aryna Sabalenka defended her US Open title hopes with a hard-fought victory over Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, winning in a match tie-break after dropping the first set. The Belarusian’s resilience kept her semifinal bid alive amid questions about the relevance of five-set matches in modern tennis.

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Sabalenka, the defending champion, faced a stern test from Noskova, who pushed her to the limit in a contest that swung dramatically. After losing the opening set, Sabalenka adjusted her tactics, finding greater consistency on her serve and forcing errors from her opponent. The match eventually went to a deciding tie-break, where Sabalenka’s experience and mental strength prevailed. Her ability to recover from a set down highlighted her status as a top contender, even as the physical and temporal demands of extended matches continue to spark debate.

What does this mean for Sabalenka’s title defence?

The victory reignited discussion about whether Grand Slam tournaments should reconsider the best-of-five format for women’s matches. Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo recently suggested that shortening matches could make the sport more accessible to younger audiences with shorter attention spans. While Sabalenka’s win showcased the drama and resilience that five-set tennis can produce, critics argue that such lengths may deter casual viewers and increase player fatigue. Supporters counter that the format preserves tradition and allows for greater competitive depth, especially in high-stakes encounters.

Advancing to the semifinals puts Sabalenka in a strong position to retain her US Open crown, though she will face tougher challenges ahead. Her performance against Noskova demonstrated adaptability under pressure, a key trait for success in New York. If she maintains this level, she could join an elite group of players who have won back-to-back US Open titles. However, the physical toll of extended matches may become a factor as the tournament progresses, particularly if she faces opponents who excel in grinding, baseline exchanges.

How did Sabalenka win after losing the first set? She improved her serve consistency and increased aggression on return points, forcing Noskova into unforced errors and taking control in the decisive tie-break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the five-set format being questioned? Officials like Andrew Abdo argue it may not align with modern viewing habits, particularly among younger fans who prefer shorter, more dynamic contests.

Can Sabalenka win the US Open without dropping another set? It remains possible, but unlikely given the strength of the draw; her focus will be on managing energy and maintaining form across upcoming matches.