US Open criticised for making ‘wild’ call right at the end of Aryna Sabalenka’s match with Linda Noskova
The US Open made a strange decision during the closing stages of Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova’s quarter-final match.
When Noskova was serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the final set, the roof began closing on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Czech star held serve, but both players were clearly troubled by the shadows moving across the court.
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On commentary for Sky Sports, Martina Navratilova, Jonathan Overend, and Laura Robson criticised the US Open’s decision.
Martina Navratilova criticises the US Open for not closing the roof during the changeover
“They’re closing the roof from the left; you see the shadow moving across the court?” said Navratilova.
“Martina, this feels very, very strange. The roof is moving, and the effect it’s having on the shadow on the court, mid-rally there, surely has to be distracting?” Overend replied.
“They should have done that on the changeover, not now!”
Overend and Navratilova continued to react as Noskova delayed her serve with the shadow moving.
“Noskova is pausing now; she doesn’t want to play another point with that shadow moving,” said Overend.
“She should serve into the shadow! Take advantage of it,” added Navratilova.
The commentators still couldn’t believe what they were seeing, and soon had Robson add her thoughts from courtside.
“Why can’t they wait a game to do that? Sabalenka is gesturing as well,” said Overend.
“I mean, long term it’s better for the players,” Navratilova countered.
“But they should have done it on the changeover at 4-3, not after that, anyhow, here we are.
“Champions adjust.”
“That was pretty wild, to be honest,” said Robson.
“I still can’t believe that they didn’t just wait a couple of minutes.
“But Noskova, all credit to her, just got on with it. That was crazy.”
Finally, Overend suggested Noskova would have had grounds for appeal if she had been broken for the match when the roof was closing.
“It’s gone now and of course the roof has now moved across sufficiently to cover the court,” he said.
“But had Noskova, she lost the first couple of points of that game, she surely would have been within her rights to launch some sort of complaint there!”
Noskova dealt with the adversity and soon forced a 10-point tiebreak.
Unfortunately for the Wimbledon champion, her resistance ended there.
Sabalenka defeated Noskova, 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7), to book her place in the US Open semi-finals.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning ‘battle’ against Linda Noskova
The world number one was understandably delighted with the victory, but made sure to mention her opponent during her post-match interview.
“What a battle. What an incredible player she is,” said Sabalenka.
“I am speechless right now because I was pushing myself to the limit in this match, especially in the third set.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Linda Noskova – Match stats
| Stats | Aryna Sabalenka | Linda Noskova |
| Aces | 12 | 18 |
| Double faults | 4 | 6 |
| 1st Serve % | 65% | 63% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 77% | 75% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 61% | 43% |
| Winners | 42 | 46 |
| Unforced errors | 30 | 25 |
“I honestly thought that was it, and the match was over. Probably that’s what helped me feel loose and go after my shots.
“I am super happy to get this win. Tough match, tough battle.
“Thank you, guys, for being you. You are amazing, and it’s always unbelievable playing in front of you all. Thank you for your support.
“These kinds of matches and tight tie breaks where there is such high pressure boost my confidence, energy, and motivation.
“I am so glad that somehow I made that ace [on match point]. It shows I am ready to fight, and I am ready to see that.”
Sabalenka was then asked what she intended to work on next.
“Maybe a bit better at the net, to be honest. Today I got to the net a couple of times but wasn’t quite ready, so I think we will work a little bit extra on that,” she said.
“Maybe you’d better ask my team! For now, I’d better relax, recover, and reflect on what just happened.”
Navratilova was also keen to deliver her post-match verdict.
“Aryna Sabalenka showing us why she is the champion. Noskova showing us that she did not win Wimbledon by accident; she played a great match, but Sabalenka had a bit more belief on those big points, and the tie-break queen gets it done again,” she said.
“Noskova should not hang her head, as she played a great match, but Sabalenka’s weapons are just a bit bigger, and she played a beautiful, pressure-packed match.
“Real great quality from both players.”
Noskova will now turn her attention to the Asian swing, while Sabalenka prepares for her semi-final match.
Sabalenka will meet Jessica Pegula or Emma Navarro in the US Open semis on Thursday, September 10.
