Game On: Sports News, Highlights & Commentary
- Aryna Sabalenka edged Linda Noskova 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 to reach the US Open semi-finals.
- Frances Tiafoe recovered serve and intensity to take the third set, seizing momentum against Alex Michelsen.
- Alex Michelsen, a 22-year-old debutant, impressed with precision serving and calm courtcraft early in the match.
- Quarter-finals highlighted the tour's depth: top six seeds reached the last eight, with multiple grand slam champions competing.
- Aryna Sabalenka's title defense and world No 1 ranking were at stake; she produced clutch, powerful serving under pressure.
Key events
Fourth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 3-0 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. After all of his serving woes for most of the first three sets, Tiafoe’s serve is transformed. And he’s finally found the energy, focus and intensity that downed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the previous round.
Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 2-0 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself here, but Tiafoe has won four out of nine fifth sets he has played at the US Open in his career, while Michelsen has lost five out of five fifth sets on the ATP Tour. And even though it’s early in the fourth, the smart money would be on this quarter-final going to a decider, when Michelsen thwacks a backhand into the net at 30-40! Michelsen’s mind is scrambled and Tiafoe is bouncing around the court like a man who knows this match may well now be his for the taking.
Fourth set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 1-0 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
It’s the first set Michelsen has dropped this fortnight. And he’s rattled. He gives a celebrating Tiafoe a sarcastic thumps up – but Tiafoe doesn’t take the bait, just responding with a smile. Michelsen needs to refocus fast, which he does, getting to deuce on Tiafoe’s serve in the first game of the fourth set … and then break point when Tiafoe appears to trip on the court before hitting long. Tiafoe slams down a 135mph serve. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. And an attritional game is won by the man with the momentum. That’s five games on the spin now.
Tiafoe takes the third set 7-5
Michelsen lands his serve … but Tiafoe is still able to tonk a return winner! Even Michelsen is applauding. But he’s probably feeling rather queasy when Tiafoe takes the second point too, with a winning volley. 0-30. Tiafoe is two points from the set. Michelsen gamely gets back to 30-all … but then rushes a backhand and nets. It’s 30-40, set point Tiafoe. Who would have predicted this 10 minutes ago? Michelsen finds his first serve when it matters to save the set point. But Tiafoe, now twice the player he was earlier in this match, quickly has a second … and Michelsen slashes a forehand into the net! With the match on Michelsen’s racket, Tiafoe has taken four games in a row to steal the third set!
Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 6-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 30-15, 40-15, game Tiafoe. Every point won by him now is met by a determined clenched fist and a huge roar from the crowd. They’re desperate for a fourth set. And unless Michelsen holds serve here, they’ll get one. Can Michelsen rediscover his first serve, which went awol when he was serving for the match?
Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 5-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Perhaps, as he coughs up a double fault on the opening point! And another on the second!! A wry smile from Michelsen; his mum, meanwhile, is grimacing. She can hardly bear to watch. Michelsen scrambles to 15-30 with a deep forehand to Tiafoe’s backhand … but he can’t buy a first serve at the moment, and Tiafoe has 15-40! Michelsen looks as if his racket weighs about 100kg and his shoes are filled with stones. And, weighed down by the pressure once more, Michelsen surrenders the break! Tiafoe isn’t done yet, he’s right back in this third set!
Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 4-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe, knowing that if he drops serve here the match is over, puts those three missed break points out of his mind to hold to 15, forcing Michelsen to try to serve this out. Michelsen has passed every test against his more vaunted fellow American so far … will this be any different?
Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 3-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Look here! 0-15. 0-30. Two unforced errors from Michelsen, and Tiafoe could have a way back into this third set. And after some HUGE hitting from Tiafoe it’s 0-40! Is the comeback on? It’s not on the first break point … it’s not on the second, when Michelsen sends down a belligerent ace … and it’s not on the third, when a brave forehand from Michelsen is netted by Tiafoe! So from 0-40 it’s deuce and Michelsen makes Tiafoe pay for his profligacy, as he hammers a pass down the line which Tiafoe can only frame .. and then a stinging serve! C-L-U-T-C-H!
Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 3-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Michelsen did let slip a match point against Taylor Fritz before being beaten in the Washington quarter-finals in July, so perhaps not all hope is lost for Tiafoe, who lands a lob bang on the baseline for 40-15! He hasn’t had much to celebrate in this match, but he’s pumping his fist repeatedly after that shot. And from there he holds.
Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 2-4 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
It doesn’t look that way when Tiafoe tamely misses a second serve for 30-0, and despite getting on the board for 30-15, Tiafoe sees Michelsen move to 40-15 and game. Time is running out for Tiafoe.
Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 2-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Tiafoe is on course for his most comfortable hold. Michelsen crunches a return winner on the fourth point, but can’t repeat the trick on the fifth, and Tiafoe, for once, comes through a swift service game … and he’ll be hoping it leaves him with extra energy to attack the Michelsen serve.
Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 1-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Michelsen would, it seems, become the first unseeded player to reach the US Open semi-finals without dropping a set. But will he tighten as the finish line moves into sight? He nets a volley for 15-all … and then he’s too cautious with his approach shot, allowing Tiafoe to produce the passing winner. 15-30. But he’s unflinching on the next three points, playing like a grand slam champion rather than a player appearing in his first major quarter-final, and victory is now a little closer.
Third set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 1-2 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe, for what feels like the 1053rd time today, slips behind on serve, before producing one of his best points of the match for 30-all. Michelsen reasserts his control on the next point, though, out-powering Tiafoe, and he has a point for a double break … which could well be the match. Tiafoe is let off the hook when he doesn’t bury his smash. Deuce. Advantage Tiafoe. Game Tiafoe. He’s still alive … just.
Tumaini Carayol
It seemed for some time that Aryna Sabalenka would be consumed by the rage and anxiety that has smothered her for so much of this year. At 2-2 in the final set of her brutal quarter-final against Linda Noskova, a second double fault of the game damned Sabalenka to a 0-40 deficit. She instantly fell to her knees, bowed her head and screamed. She soon trailed 2-4 in the set.
Over her past five arduous months, Sabalenka has reliably unravelled under pressure. However, at the final grand slam tournament of the year, with her US Open title and No 1 ranking on the line, this was her very last chance to salvage her season. Somehow, the top-seeded Sabalenka finally had a response as she recovered to win an astonishing match and reach the semi-finals with a 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7) win over Noskova, the sixth seed.
Before the tournament, it was clear that the intense depth at the top of the women’s game, where each of the top 11 players currently hold a big title, meant there are so many worthy title candidates. The quarter-finals lineup reflects this embarrassment of riches. Each of the top six seeds reached the last eight, with five of them being grand slam champions along with the perennial top-five player Jessica Pegula and the Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen.
A meeting between the defending US Open champion and the new Wimbledon champion was top of the list of the highly anticipated tussles and it developed into one of the best matches of the year. This was a spectacular exhibition of unfiltered first-strike tennis. The quality of serving from both sides of the net was supreme, with Noskova firing down 18 aces and Sabalenka finishing with 46% unreturned serves, including a statement second-serve ace to close out a tight tie-break set. Both players fearlessly forced themselves inside the baseline, Sabalenka’s searing power contrasted with Noskova’s sweet timing and precise changes of direction.
You can read the rest of Tumaini’s match report here:
Third set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 3-6, 0-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
A double fault gives Tiafoe a sniff at 30-all. Michelsen snuffs it out with an unreturned serve … but Tiafoe comes back at him for deuce with a thunderous forehand winner. The crowd are roaring … they want a comeback … but they’re sighing when he nets on the next point. And now Michelsen is roaring as he sends Tiafoe one way and then the other, drawing the error. Tiafoe right now looks like a man resigned to defeat.
Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-6, 0-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe takes his leave, heading off court to regroup, and he will be buoyed, at least, by the knowledge that he has come from two sets to love down twice in his career before, including at the French Open this year. He also knows he can play much better than he has so far – but he can’t afford to keep giving Michelsen a head start when his opponent is receiving – but he does so again here, and it’s 15-40. He’s been behind in every service game bar two, which is inexplicable really after nearly one hour and 40 minutes. He pulls off the pass for 30-40 … but Michelsen strikes on the second break point, to extend Tiafoe’s misery – and his own lead to two sets and a break.
Michelsen wins the second set to lead 7-5, 6-3
A smart serve – as Michelsen opts for precision over pace – secures the opening point with an ace. And Tiafoe has got a ball abuse warning to add to his time violation from a few games ago when he whacks a ball in anger halfway to Manhattan after sliding 30-0 down. A 133mph ace brings up three set points … Tiafoe saves the first two, the second with great hands at the net … but Michelsen, showing such fine movement for a man who is 6ft 4in, marmalises a cross-court forehand to go two sets up! The 22-year-old grand slam quarter-final debutant still hasn’t dropped a set this tournament and is a set away from improbably reaching the last four.
Second set: Tiafoe 5-7, 3-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe, with his first-serve percentage now down at 38% as he attempts to stay in this second set, edges to 40-30, and gets over the line when Michelsen batters a backhand into the net. So Michelsen will be forced to serve this out.
Second set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 2-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Michelsen. That’s how you back up the break.
Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 2-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe needs to find his serving mojo, though, if he’s to mount a serious comeback … and once more, he’s down, at 15-30. A quite ridiculous point follows, drawing ooohs and aaaaahs from the crowd, who’ve been rather quiet during this match because of their divided loyalties, and Michelsen eventually has Tiafoe on a piece of string, dragging him out wide to force the error! And that knocks the wind out of Tiafoe, who receives a slap on the wrists for ignoring the serve clock at 30-40, before being broken for the fifth time.
Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 5-7, 2-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
But Michelsen, perhaps suddenly playing like a man who knows he has something to lose, promptly falls break point down at 30-40. Michelsen rams down a first serve to save it, but is soon facing a second BP … and this time he cuts Tiafoe down with a slice. This could prove to be a crucial game, with Michelsen trying to extend his supremacy and Tiafoe battling to get back into this quarter-final. And Michelsen rather hands the break back with a double fault and netted forehand!
Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 5-7, 1-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe has been behind in every service game apart from one and this game is no different. 0-15. 0-30. 0-40. Tiafoe has described the support from the home crowd this tournament as like “an out-of-body experience … it’s like you’re not even touching the ground … the energy is so high” – but he’s not been bouncing around the court today. He does, however, show plenty of energy on the first break point, sprinting to his right to fire off a forehand cross-court winner. But Michelsen steps into the baseline on the third BP to punish Tiafoe’s tame serve. Michelsen leads by a set and a break and it’s no less than he deserves.
Second set: Tiafoe* 5-7, 1-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Both these men – as if they need reminding – are trying to break the much-talked-about 23-year grand slam singles drought for American men, and Ben Shelton is still in the running too, though he has the unenviable task of facing Carlos Alcaraz later, with the winner of each match to meet in the semi-finals. The perennially popular Alcaraz will turn out to be the villain for once if he were to take out Shelton and then Tiafoe or Michelsen to reach the final. But I’m getting ahead of myself … Michelsen holds to 30 despite a second double fault.
Second set: Tiafoe 5-7, 1-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Michelsen, now 13-0 for sets won this fortnight, opens the second set with a hold to 15, before applying more pressure on the Tiafoe serve at deuce. Tiafoe has landed only three serves into the ad box all match. He’s not going to reach a third US Open semi-final serving like that. But he advances to game point … and this time manages to ping a first serve down the T on the ad side, and Michelsen can’t get it back into play. Tiafoe’s on the board in set two.
Elsewhere: Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova, the top seeds in the women’s doubles, are just getting under way in their quarter-final, as are Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, the five-time men’s wheelchair doubles champions, in their opening match.
Michelesen wins the first set 7-5
Tiafoe, serving to save the first set for the second time, still isn’t landing enough first serves – his first-serve percentage is down at 44% – and it’s inviting the pressure, as Michelsen makes his move to 0-30. Michelsen constructs the next point so well and looks set to bury Tiafoe’s backhand … before misfiring. 15-30. But soon it’s 15-40, as Tiafoe’s lob lands long. Michelsen has two more set points to add to the one he had a couple of games ago … and this time the younger American pounces on a meek second serve to seize the opener against the older American! The Arthur Ashe crowd, their loyalties divided, aren’t exactly in raptures.
First set: Tiafoe* 5-6 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Michelsen hits his (very big 6ft 4in) stride to race to 40-0, with his seventh forehand winner of the day. And he secures a second successive love hold. He’s getting more easy points on serve than Tiafoe, who can perhaps consider himself a little lucky to still be in the running in this first set.
First set: Tiafoe 5-5 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
With Tiafoe serving to stay in the opener, Michelsen can’t capitalise on an inviting second serve on the first point, so it’s 15-0. And then 30-15. But Tiafoe, with his team sitting courtside wearing T-shirts emblazoned with BIG FOE, double faults for 30-all. Big Foe misses his next first serve, too, and goes on to lose the rally, to hand Michelsen a set point at 30-40. Michelsen misses it with an errant return and doesn’t recover from the disappointment, with Tiafoe taking the next two points to escape with the hold.
First set: Tiafoe* 4-5 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Michelsen sees Tiafoe’s hold to 15 and raises it with a love hold, the first of this quarter-final. After an error-strewn start, this first set is building to an intriguing finale.
First set: Tiafoe 4-4 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe is starting to show glimpses of the form he hit against Daniil Medvedev in the previous round, when he was so locked in and consistently showed the right shot selection to dismiss the 2021 champion in straight sets, but he can’t make any inroads on Michelsen’s serve – before bringing the fire on his own, with the new balls, holding to 15. After both had the serving jitters early on, they’ve found their range.
First set: Tiafoe 3-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe leads their head-to-head 2-0, by the way, beating Michelsen on the Houston clay last year and in Dallas indoors two years ago, both in straight sets. But Michelsen is riding a wave now, playing in his first grand-slam quarter-final having not dropped a set this tournament, so I’m not sure how much we can read into the h2h, though I do think over the best of five sets the 28-year-old Tiafoe will perhaps have too much athleticism and experience for the 22-year-old. But Tiafoe needs to start holding serve … and he’s in danger once more as a wild miss gives Michelsen 30-40. There’s a customary “C’MON” from Tiafoe as Michelsen nets on the break point … and Tiafoe takes the game from deuce, his first hold, sealing it with a first ace.
Tiafoe breaks: Tiafoe* 2-3 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe is someone who loves to feed off the energy of the crowd but the atmosphere on Arthur Ashe is rather muted right now – probably because the spectators are still recovering from the drama of Sabalenka v Noskova and also perhaps they don’t know which American to get behind. They’re roaring, though, when Tiafoe charges down Michelsen’s improvised half-volley, hit from the baseline … and he executes the perfect drop shot! 30-40. And now it’s four breaks in five games, when Tiafoe, his bright pink shoes squeaking SO loudly (or perhaps it’s Michelsen’s – one of them needs to change their shoes), prevails in the longest rally of the match so far!
Michelsen breaks: Tiafoe 1-3 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe is bashing his racket and wincing after falling 0-15 down; he’s yet to win a point on serve. And he’s shrugging his shoulders when he balloons a backhand long for 0-30. The 11th seed and two-time semi-finalist in New York finally gets a point on the board for 15-30 … but a mis-timed volley hands Michelsen break points at 15-40. Michelsen doesn’t make the first … but is the aggressor on the second, because of a stinging return … and Tiafoe tonks long! That’s the third break in four games … can Michelsen now consolidate it?
First set: Tiafoe* 1-2 Michelsen (*denotes next server)
The 6ft 5in Michelsen, who unsurprisingly given his height doesn’t have the greatest movement (once describing himself as a “giraffe on ice” on the tennis court) but has such a dangerous serve, settles in his second service game, holding to 15. It’s the first hold in this first of the men’s quarter-finals.
Tiafoe breaks … and Michelsen breaks straight back: Tiafoe 1-1 Michelsen* (*denotes next server)
Tiafoe, in an eye-catching neon pink and grey outfit, his cycling shorts bringing back memories of Agassi circa 1989/1990, is already sprinting to his chair after seizing a break to 15 in the opening game, courtesy of four Michelsen errors. A nervy, nervy start from the 22-year-old in his first grand slam semi-final, but he does take the first point on Tiafoe’s serve after an 18-shot rally. And now it’s Tiafoe’s turn to throw in some loose errors, before Michelsen drills a backhand winner down the line to break back to love! That’s his money shot. Eight of the first nine points have gone against the server.
Thanks Taha. So before we focus on Tiafoe v Michelsen, a word on Sabalenka, who answered a lot of questions about her form and state of mind with that clutch win, her toughest test of this tournament yet. She’ll lose her world No 1 ranking tomorrow if Elena Rybakina defeats Zheng Qinwen – but she clearly doesn’t want to give up her US Open title. It was a high-quality match – there have been so many in the women’s draw – and Noskova played brilliantly, her Wimbledon title clearly no fluke, but Sabalenka had the slightly bigger weapons and played the pressure points so well. The three-peat is still on and in the semi-finals she’ll meet the winner of Jessica Pegula v Emma Navarro, who play later in the night session.
Katy Murrells is back as Tiafoe and Michelsen prepare to kick-off.
And on to the next. Frances Tiafoe, the 11th seed, meets his compatriot Alex Michelsen. Tiafoe is targeting a third US Open semi-final; Michelsen, 22, is celebrating his longest run at a grand slam.
Sabalenka, the 2024 and 2025 champion, is still on course to triumph in 2026. It was some battle to get into the semis, though.
“I’m speechless right now,” says Sabalenka, “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, and that’s probably what helped me feel loose and go after my shots.”
Aryna Sabalenka beats Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (7)
Sabalenka drags a backhand wide – she leads 7-6. Noskova nets but then laces a forehand winner after the ball bounces off the net cord. It’s 8-7 to Sabalenka, and she’s quickly on to match point at 9-7. Sabalenka to serve … and a second-serve ace completes the job!
Noskova to serve … and it’s a terrible time for a double fault. 4-3 to Sabalenka, who keeps calm to wallop a forehand winner after some decent resistance by Noskova. Sabalenka goes to 6-3 … before Noskova bends in a backhand winner. Six-four, and then a Noskova ace to make it 6-5. Sabalenka sends down an ace in response. She leads 7-5.
Both players are up to the net immediately … and Noskova is the winner before sending a backhand down the line. She leads 2-0. Sabalenka kisses the baseline with a return. 2-1 to Noskova, who then goes long. Two-all. Both find the net and it’s 3-3 at the changeover.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 6-6 Noskova (*denotes next server)
Noskova overdoes a forehand to let Sabalenka go to 15-all. And then comes a piledriver of a forehand, the speed too much for Noskova … an ace is the perfect response. Thirty-all. And then a wide serve to set up a successful march to the net … Sabalenka goes long and we’re heading to a deciding tie-break.
Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 6-5* Noskova (*denotes next server)
There are big, vicious serves flying in from both sides – Sabalenka races through her hold without dropping a point. The pressure is quickly back on to Noskova.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 5-5 Noskova (*denotes next server)
Brilliant from Noskova, serving to stay in the match under the closing roof … and doing so with a love hold.
Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 5-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)
The resurgent Sabalenka bangs down an ace, holding to 15 in quick time. This is authoritative stuff from the world No 1.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 4-4 Noskova (*denotes next server)
It’s been a while since Sabalenka won a point on Noskova’s serve … but the defending champion gets herself to 0-30 with a passing forehand, and a lengthy rally goes her way to make it 0-40! Three break points for Sabalenka, and she needs just one! Noskova overcooks a slice and this humdinger is still well and truly alive.
Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 3-4 Noskova* (*denotes next server)
A 15-shot rally closes with a Noskova backhand into the net, and Sabalenka lasers a forehand down to make it 30-15. Sabalenka, her composure regained, end things with an ace.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 2-4 Noskova (*denotes next server)
Noskova is sprinting through her service – and it’s another love hold! Noskova’s won 12 of the last 15 poins.
Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 2-3 Noskova* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka double-faults before sending a backhand wide, with Noskova up to the net. The latter has an opening at 0-30 … and Sabalenka double-faults again! Three break points! A hyper-active rally follows, with Sabalenka whipping a forehand winner … but Noskova wins the next! Wow.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 2-2 Noskova (*denotes next server)
Noskova’s 14th ace – Sabalenka has eight – helps complete a love hold. Swift work.
Third set: Sabalenka 7-6, 3-6, 2-1 Noskova* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka is moved back and forth by Noskova, but the former still manages to close the rally with a backhand winner. Another frankly ridiculous backhand winner, where she’s crouching low but still finding power and placement, completes the hold.
Third set: Sabalenka* 7-6, 3-6, 1-1 Noskova (*denotes next server)
Noskova is up to the net for a slicing volley, and Sabalenka is deeply annoyed with her wayward backhand in response. A misjudgement from Noskova when trying to forehand a moon ball hands Sabalenka a break point … but Noskova rescues herself with a forehand winner. Sabalenka races forward to get to a drop shot and deliver an audacious winner … but Noskova eventually holds.
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