Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open quarterfinals on Sunday, overcoming early service difficulties to defeat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 in New York City. The two-time defending champion initially struggled to establish control, breaking serve three times within her first four service games as Townsend sought to engineer an upset.
However, Sabalenka managed to find her rhythm and regain confidence in the second set, ultimately powering through to secure the win. “Basically, I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball,” Sabalenka said. “I’m happy that I was able to turn it around in that second set.”
This marked the first meeting between the two players. While Townsend troubled Sabalenka early on, she struggled to maintain her own rhythm as the match progressed. Sabalenka will next face either Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk for a place in the semifinals.
Sabalenka praised her opponent’s aggressive style and resilience. “I’m happy to be through this really tough opponent,” she said. “What an incredible player she is, approaching the net. What a great returner: moving well, very brave. You could see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her.”
How many aces did she hit after that rough start? I missed the stats but she seemed dominant later.
Does anyone else think Noskova might be the real threat in the next round? She’s been solid here.
Sabalenka’s power is unmatched when she’s on. Townsend played a great match but just couldn’t hold.
Wow, breaking serve three times in the first four games? That’s brutal. Glad she stabilized.