Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory over American Taylor Townsend on Sunday, advancing to the US Open quarter-finals without dropping a set. Despite a challenging lead-up to the year’s final Grand Slam, the world number one found her rhythm at Flushing Meadows and intensified her performance in the second set, ultimately sealing the win with a precise backhand winner against the home crowd favorite.
Sabalenka is set to face either Ukrainian 11th seed Marta Kostyuk or Czech Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the next round. Reflecting on her opponent, Sabalenka praised Townsend’s aggressive net play and strong returns, noting her bravery and focus throughout the match, which made the contest particularly demanding.
Expectations of a straightforward match between the top-ranked Sabalenka and world number 96 Townsend quickly faded as both players exchanged two breaks each within the first four games at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka gained the upper hand by breaking in the seventh game with a forehand winner, but Townsend immediately responded with a break to love.
Despite the pressure, Sabalenka held her nerve, saving a break point with an unreturnable serve and closing out the first set in the tenth game. Townsend initially took control in the second set, moving ahead 3-1, but a double fault gave Sabalenka a crucial break back, shifting momentum firmly in her favor. From there, Sabalenka surged through the remaining four games to secure her place in the quarter-finals.
