Noskova laments her defeat to Sabalenka: "I could have done many things differently"

Linda Noskova came very close to securing one of the best victories of her career. The Czech putAryna Sabalenka on the ropes in the quarterfinals of the US Open, in fact, she was up 4-2 in the third set, but the world number one reacted just in time and took the match (7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7)) that was competitive until the end.

However, in the press conference following her defeat, she expressed her pain recalling some key moments of the match that she would have played differently. Nonetheless, she reflected positively on a summer she will never forget after conquering Wimbledon and also spoke about her upcoming goals.  

Noskova lamented her defeat against Sabalenka at the US Open

"I could have done many things differently. You know, being a break up in the third set is not easy at all. Also having a small lead at the start of the third-set tiebreak... it's frustrating, obviously, I think I could have made different decisions in those key moments. But at the same time, Aryna played the best tennis she could in those moments, and that didn't make it easy for me."

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Noskova confessed to regaining the motivation she lost after winning at Wimbledon

"I definitely feel that I have regained it. You know, it was a new Grand Slam, so from the start of the tournament I raised my level, and that helped me get into a rhythm. Yes, a loss like that is good for motivation, although obviously losing itself is not positive. So I have to take some positives from all of this."

Noskova described how she processes these types of defeats

"Each time it gets harder, obviously, because the matches are becoming more important. I feel like I'm getting closer to achieving what I want to accomplish. At the same time, I have always been a person who cannot really enjoy either losses or victories. There are good and bad aspects of that, but during these difficult days, it's a positive thing because it helps me forget it."

Noskova and her chances of playing in the WTA Finals

"It would be a dream come true. I don't know how close or far I am. I have no idea. I will just try to play and see what happens. I won't have this in my head thinking that I have to play incredible tennis and achieve all the great results possible to qualify. I feel like I'm already having a great season, so whatever happens, happens."

So well manoeuvred from Linda Noskova 👌 pic.twitter.com/xJD1AEZxFd

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2026

Noskova explained how difficult it is to play against Sabalenka at crucial moments

"The first tiebreak was horrible for me. I didn't start well. It's always very difficult to come back from a tiebreak because it depends on a few points. But in the super tiebreak of the third, I obviously had my opportunities. She made a double fault that didn’t help me at a crucial moment, so I think that was one of my main mistakes. But at the same time, it’s good to look at a match and say: 'okay, one or two points made all the difference'."

Noskova expressed pride in playing at the level of the best in the world

"I feel that especially after matches like these, when you are so close to reaching another Grand Slam semifinal in the same year or defeating the best player in the world, they remind you of where you are and what position you occupy. So yes, I have to take positive aspects from this entire tournament. It wasn't easy to come here after the great success I had on grass."

"I will simply try to move forward. I feel very good on the court, which is always my main point, and the ranking really doesn't matter. But it’s true that it takes me to amazing places," concluded a Linda Noskova who was hurt by her defeat but very proud of an unforgettable summer.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Noskova lamenta su derrota con Sabalenka: "Podría haber hecho muchas cosas diferentes"