World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open quarter-finals on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over American Taylor Townsend, keeping her bid for a third consecutive title alive.
The defending champion overcame a strong challenge from Townsend to win 6-4, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the second set, winning five consecutive games to seal the match.
Townsend troubled the Belarusian with aggressive returns and strong net play, but Sabalenka’s power and precision ultimately proved decisive.
“It was really challenging playing her, especially here,” Sabalenka said after the match.
Sabalenka will face either sixth-seeded Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic or 11th-seeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, third seed Jessica Pegula, who could challenge Sabalenka for the world number one ranking, faces Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea.
In the men’s draw, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul as he continues his comeback from a wrist injury.
Other fourth-round matches include eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton against Stefanos Tsitsipas and former champion Daniil Medvedev against American Frances Tiafoe.
