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US Open 2026: Tiafoe Stuns Michelsen After Epic Comeback; Sabalenka Advances to Semifinals

Posted on 9th Sep 2026 12:57 pm by rohit kumar

The excitement at the US Open 2026 in New York reached another level as Frances Tiafoe produced a stunning comeback against fellow American Alex Michelsen, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a dramatic battle with Linda Noskova to reach the women's singles semifinals.

 

Tiafoe fought back from two sets and a break down to defeat Michelsen in a five-set thriller, while Sabalenka overcame Noskova in two deciding-set tiebreaks to keep her bid for a third consecutive US Open title alive.

 

Tiafoe completes incredible comeback against Michelsen

 

The quarterfinal between 11th seed Frances Tiafoe and 22-year-old Alex Michelsen appeared to be slipping away from the American veteran.

 

Michelsen won the opening two sets 7-5, 6-3 and moved to within one set of a place in his first Grand Slam semifinal. He also held a break advantage in the third set, putting Tiafoe under enormous pressure.

 

But Tiafoe refused to give up.

 

The American finally found his rhythm and turned the match around, winning the third set 7-5 before taking the fourth 6-3. The comeback sent the match into a deciding fifth set.

 

The final set produced another tense battle before Tiafoe prevailed in the deciding tiebreak. He completed the remarkable comeback with a 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) victory after four hours and 38 minutes.

 

Michelsen breaks down after heartbreaking defeat

 

For Michelsen, the defeat was particularly painful because he had been within touching distance of the biggest victory of his career.

 

The 22-year-old had reached his deepest Grand Slam run and showed impressive quality throughout the match, including hitting 21 aces. However, Tiafoe's experience and ability to raise his level under pressure eventually turned the contest around.

 

After the match, an emotional Michelsen broke down in tears.

 

Tiafoe immediately went over to comfort his compatriot and embraced him. The moment highlighted the sportsmanship between the two Americans after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.

 

Tiafoe also praised Michelsen after the match, acknowledging how close the younger player had come to winning.

 

Tiafoe reaches US Open semifinals for third time

 

The victory sends Tiafoe into the US Open semifinals for the third time.

 

The American previously reached the final four at Flushing Meadows in 2022 and 2024. However, he was unable to reach the final on either occasion.

 

Now, Tiafoe has another opportunity to make his first US Open final.

 

His next opponent will be determined by the quarterfinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton.

 

Sabalenka survives Noskova thriller

 

In the women's singles draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also booked her place in the semifinals after surviving a major challenge from Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

 

Sabalenka eventually defeated the sixth-seeded Czech 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7) in a tense three-set battle.

 

Noskova pushed the defending champion to the limit, hitting 18 aces and recovering from an early deficit in the opening set. She also took control of the deciding set before Sabalenka fought her way back.

 

The match ultimately came down to another tiebreak. Sabalenka held her nerve when it mattered most and sealed victory with a decisive second-serve ace.

 

Sabalenka reaches sixth straight US Open semifinal

 

With the victory, Sabalenka reached the US Open semifinals for the sixth consecutive year.

 

She is now just two victories away from completing a remarkable three-peat at Flushing Meadows.

 

Sabalenka has won the US Open in both 2024 and 2025. A third consecutive championship would put her in extremely rare company in women's tennis.

 

The Belarusian will face Jessica Pegula in the semifinals after the American defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

 

Tiafoe and Sabalenka chase US Open glory

 

Tiafoe's dramatic comeback and Sabalenka's hard-fought victory provided two of the biggest stories from the latest day at Flushing Meadows.

 

Tiafoe is chasing a maiden appearance in a US Open final, while Sabalenka is attempting to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win the tournament three years in a row.

 

With both players now in the final four, the race for the US Open titles is entering its decisive stage.

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