Aryna Sabalenka and Frances Tiafoe have one of the biggest quarterfinal stories of the US Open 2026, and both players made a fight to get their way to the finals.
Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and two-time champion, defeated Linda Noskova in a three-set battle, while American No. 11 seed Tiafoe came back from two sets down to defeat compatriot Alex Michelsen in a marathon match.
Sabalenka survives huge Noskova challenge
Sabalenka defeated the Wimbledon champion Noskova 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) in a game that constantly swung in momentum.
The top seed appeared to have the upper hand after winning the opening set comfortably in the tiebreak. Noskova, however, responded strongly in the second set, winning it 6-3 and forcing a deciding set.
The Czech star then looked like she would do a major upset when she was up 4-2 in the final set. Sabalenka didn’t panic, fought back and finally forced another tiebreak. She held out for the final stages to win.
The win extended Sabalenka’s US Open winning streak to 18 matches and sent her into the semifinals for the sixth consecutive year. She is now two victories away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win three straight US Open singles titles.
Sabalenka is next up against Jessica Pegula, who advanced after defeating Emma Navarro.
Tiafoe Stuns Michelsen After Two-Set Deficit
Frances Tiafoe made such a remarkable comeback against Alex Michelsen in the men's quarterfinal.
Michelsen won the first two sets 7-5, 6-3 and appeared to be in control. The young American even served for the match at 5-4 in the third set.
Tiafoe, however, found another level. He recovered to win the third set 7-5 before winning the fourth 6-3 and forcing a deciding-set match tiebreak.
The No. 11 seed finally completed the comeback 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) after four hours and 39 minutes.
Emotional moment at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The match ended with one of the most touching moments of the tournament.
After winning, Tiafoe immediately went to console a clearly emotional Michelsen. At the net, the two Americans shared a long embrace, Michelsen in tears after coming agonisingly close to making his first Grand Slam final.
Tiafoe's win puts him into his third US Open semifinal. He will meet either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or fellow American Ben Shelton in the final four.
US Open 2026 Semifinal Picture
With Sabalenka and Tiafoe through, the tournament is in its final stage. Sabalenka will go for a historic third consecutive women's title, while Tiafoe will try to make his first Grand Slam final.
The quarterfinals showed how unpredictable the final rounds of a Grand Slam can be— Sabalenka’s breakdown in the deciding set and Tiafoe recovering from two sets behind to keep his championship dream alive.
