SCREAMING Aryna Sabalenka pushed herself “to the limit” – but thought her US Open title defence was almost over.
Yet her world no1 status is out of her hands and will be transferred to Elena Rybakina if the Kazakhstan ace reaches the semi-finals on Wednesday.
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Sabalenka, 28, came through a Battle Royale with Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova before winning 7-6 3-6 7-6 on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
For the two-time defending champion, this was a 19th win in a row at Flushing Meadows as she tries to emulate Serena Williams’s 2014-16 three-peat of Championships.
Sabalenka, wearing gold jewellery, screamed at the top of her lungs when she fired down a 97mph second-serve ace to seal victory in the third-set tie-break.
The Belarusian – who has been world No.1 for 99 weeks – came from 4-2 down in the decider before she progressed with two hours and 21 minutes on the clock.
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The Eastern European powerhouse said: “Oh my God guys, what a battle, what an incredible player she is.
“I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in this third set.
“I honestly thought that was it, the match was over.
“And maybe that is what helped me to feel loose and go after my shots.
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“I’m super happy to get this win. A tough battle.
“The crowd were amazing. It is always unbelievable to play in front of you all.
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“These types of tie-breaks and matches are such high pressure.
“Winning them helps to boost my confidence, energy and motivation.
“I’m super glad somehow that I made that ace.
“It was a very important point. It shows I’m ready to fight.”
Rybakina, 27, will become the new world no1 if she beats Chinese qualifier Qinwen Zheng in the quarter-final that is scheduled first on Arthur Ashe at Wednesday lunchtime.
How to watch the 2026 US Open
THE 2026 US Open is here and there are plenty of ways to get in on the action.
The top stars including Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are going for glory, and you don’t want to miss out on any of the action.
Below you’ll find the places to catch live US Open on TV and in person from New York City.
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