World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Taylor Townsend in straight sets on Sunday to reach the US Open quarter-finals. The Belarusian player rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the second set to secure a 6-4, 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Townsend presented a challenge to Sabalenka with her service returns and net play, leading to five breaks of serve early in the first set. Sabalenka eventually gained a 4-2 lead, though Townsend briefly broke her serve while attempting to close out the set at 5-2. Sabalenka then secured the first set with a forehand winner, saving a break point in the process. “What an incredible player she is, approaching the net, what a great returner, moving well, very brave,” Sabalenka said after the match. “You can see how focused she was and it was really challenging playing her, especially here.”
The second set saw a break of serve from Townsend, giving her a 3-1 lead. Sabalenka responded immediately, winning the next five games to take the match. “I was like, OK, you’re down the break just try to return the serve and put as much pressure as you can on her,” Sabalenka explained. “I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball and I’m happy that I was able to turn around that second set.”
Sabalenka needs to win to retain her number one ranking. She will face either Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk in the quarter-finals. In other women’s matches, Jessica Pegula will play Sorana Cirstea, who has announced 2024 will be her last season. On the men’s side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is facing Tommy Paul, having won six of their eight prior matches, including the last five.
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