NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open women's singles semi-finals on Friday, keeping alive her bid to defend her title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The top seed entered the tournament as the favourite and has reached the latter stages of every recent hard-court Grand Slam. Organisers scheduled her matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium in primetime slots throughout the fortnight.

Sabalenka faces the challenge of sustaining her form against younger challengers who have pushed deep into the second week. The women's semi-finals are set for Thursday, September 10, with matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Record crowds have attended the tournament, and ESPN reported strong viewership for the night sessions. The women's singles final is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, with the winner claiming the singles trophy and prize money that reached a record total for the 2026 championships, according to the USTA.