Emma Navarro and Linda Noskova both saw their 2026 US Open title bids end in the quarter-finals, yet each still leaves New York with useful ranking points after strong runs.

Both players pushed their matches to three sets before falling. Navarro, who was involved in an all-American contest, led early in the deciding set after breaking in game three to move 2-1 ahead, but Jessica Pegula recovered to win 6-3, 4-6, 3-6. Noskova also seized control in the final set, moving 4-2 up after a break in game five, but world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka responded to complete a 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory.

“After these matches when you’re so close… it kind of reminds you of where you are standing,” Noskova said after the defeat. “I will just try to keep going, you know. I feel great on court, which is always my main point, and ranking doesn’t really matter.”

Noskova did not move up the rankings, but her week in New York still marked a step forward. Her previous best at Flushing Meadows had been a third-round appearance, so reaching the quarter-finals represented new ground. She began the tournament at a career-high No 6 and will stay there, while remaining 415 points behind Mirra Andreeva, who could still extend that gap.

The WTA’s rolling 52-week system means players lose the points they earned in the same event 12 months earlier. Noskova had 130 points to defend from a round-of-32 result in 2025, and the 430 points for reaching the last eight leaves her 300 points better off. Navarro was in the same position, also defending 130 points and earning 430, so she will likewise add 300 points to her tally. The 25-year-old has already climbed four places in the Live WTA Rankings to No 24.

There is also a financial boost for both. Noskova had earned $6,693,489 in 2026 before the US Open, with her career total standing at $11,254,108. After reaching the quarter-finals, she adds $780,000. Navarro, who had 2026 earnings of $1,038,485 and a career total of $6,679,094 before the tournament, will also take home $780,000.

Frances Tiafoe stared down defeat before turning an all-American showdown with Alex Michelsen into one of the US Open’s most dramatic results, and the reward will be a new career-best ranking.

Michelsen led by two sets and even served for the match, leaving Tiafoe with little apparent room to recover. But the momentum shifted in stages, and Tiafoe found his footing just as the match seemed to be slipping away for good. He took advantage when Michelsen tightened late in the third set, then kept pressing through a tense finish to complete a 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 7-6(6) victory.

“In the end I slowly, slowly started to get into my rhythm and started playing better and better but he’s a hell of a player,” said Tiafoe.

“He easily should have won today. Shout out to Alex Michelsen.

“Everyone was asleep the first couple of hours and I was asleep with you all. As it went along, the energy was incredible.”

The result sends Tiafoe into another US Open semifinal and guarantees him a $1,450,000 prize money windfall. It also ensures a rise to a career-high ranking when the ATP list is updated on Monday.

His previous best was No 10, but he is already up to No 8 in the live ATP Rankings, with the chance to climb even further if he reaches his first US Open final.

For Michelsen, the loss brought visible anguish. After a two-hour-and-22-minute battle, he broke down in tears and shared a long embrace with Tiafoe.

“You can’t help but feel sorry for Alex Michelsen, considering how close he was and we all know Frances is a fan favourite in this situation,” said former British No 1 Laura Robson on Sky Sports.

“The tears started coming from Michelsen. It was like a punch in the gut for me and I don’t even know him.

“Having been in these situations when you’re so close to the finishing line and you know it’s on your racket, I think that’s the worst feeling. You know that you kind of did choke a little bit. That’s the absolute worst.

“Brutal day for him but you have to tip your cap to Frances for turning that match around.”

Michelsen will still collect $780,000, though it will be small consolation after missing out on a first Grand Slam semifinal.

Aryna Sabalenka’s place atop the rankings could be decided by Elena Rybakina, but the defending champion says her attention is elsewhere as the US Open enters its decisive phase.

Rybakina would move to world No 1 if she defeats Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals in New York, yet Sabalenka has made clear that the chase for a third straight title at Flushing Meadows matters more to her than the ranking picture. A recent dip in form has allowed Rybakina to close in, but Sabalenka continues to speak in terms of a “three-peat” rather than the No 1 race.

Her title defence stayed alive with a dramatic 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7) victory over Wimbledon Linda Noskova in a gruelling match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Afterward, Sabalenka was asked whether she would be content with a third US Open crown even if it meant finishing the tournament outside the top spot.

“Of course. I’ll be more than happy. Three-peat… sounds great,” she said.

“I’m just super happy that I put myself in the position where I have chance to go for the three-peat, even though I’m still far away from that.

“I’m super happy to put myself in a position for a three-peat, even though I’m a long way from that.”

Sabalenka also reflected on how close the contest came to turning against her. “I’m really happy the way I finished the match with a second serve ace,” she added. “I’m happy that I stayed aggressive throughout the whole match and trusted my shots.

“At some point in the third set, she was definitely serving better than me. But I was able to focus point by point and build something. I played with great intensity and that gave me so much confidence that I can still get the win in this match.”

Sabalenka is now on an 18-match winning run at the US Open, and if she reaches 20, she will be celebrating again on Saturday.