US Open 2026: Sabalenka vs Noskova Preview — Quarterfinal Clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium
No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka takes on No. 6 seed Linda Noskova in the quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open, with a place in the semifinals — and a share of the world No. 1 conversation — on the line.
Match Details
- Round: Quarterfinal
- Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Order of play: Match No. 1
- Start time: 11:30 AM local time
The Head-to-Head Picture
Sabalenka leads the series 2-0, having won both of their previous meetings:
- Indian Wells, 2024 (Outdoor Hard): Sabalenka won in the Semifinals
- Adelaide 1, 2024 (Outdoor Hard): Sabalenka won in the Final
Noskova has yet to take a set off Sabalenka in tour-level competition, but both of their prior meetings came fairly early in the Czech’s rise up the rankings — she now arrives at this Slam a significantly more complete and confident player.
Returning Game Comparison (2026 Season)
Noskova’s return game has been a genuine strength this year, and the numbers show just how competitive she can be from that side of the ball:
| Sabalenka | Noskova | |
|---|---|---|
| Return Points Won % | 44.6% | 41.2% |
| 1st Return Points Won % | 36.1% | 33.5% |
| 2nd Return Points Won % | 57.0% | 53.4% |
| Break Points Converted % | 44.7% | 43.0% |
| Return Games Won % | 37.1% | 30.5% |
| Return Games Played | 493 | 456 |
Serving Game Comparison (2026 Season)
Sabalenka’s serve remains one of the biggest weapons in the women’s game, though Noskova has actually out-aced her this season:
| Sabalenka | Noskova | |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 236 | 293 |
| Double Faults | 111 | 213 |
| 1st Serve % | 64.1% | 59.8% |
| 1st Serve Won % | 71.0% | 73.4% |
| 2nd Serve Won % | 53.0% | 48.1% |
| Break Points Saved | 63.8% | 63.9% |
| Service Points Won % | 64.5% | 63.2% |
| Service Games Won % | 81.5% | 80.0% |
| Service Games Played | 507 | 460 |
Career & Profile Snapshot
| Aryna Sabalenka | Linda Noskova | |
|---|---|---|
| Career-High Ranking | No. 1 | No. 6 |
| Current Singles Ranking | 1 | 6 |
| Age | 28 | 21 |
| Plays | Right-Handed | Right-Handed |
| Career Singles Titles | 24 | 3 |
| Career W/L (Singles) | 519/208 | 213/112 |
| Career Prize Money | $50,422,999 | $11,254,108 |
What to Watch For
Sabalenka’s power and consistency have made her the player to beat in New York, and her perfect record against Noskova adds to her edge heading into this quarterfinal. Interestingly, the serving numbers this season are closer than expected — Noskova has actually produced more aces and a better first-serve-won percentage — but she’s also given up more free points via double faults, which could prove costly against a returner as sharp as Sabalenka. Noskova’s aggressive return game, among the better ones on tour this season, gives her a real path to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm as well.
Match time and order of play are subject to change based on tournament scheduling.
