Sabalenka fights past Townsend into US Open quarters

Aryna Sabalenka powered into the U.S. Open quarter-finals on Sunday, defeating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 without dropping a set.

The defending champion had endured a frustrating build-up to the year’s final major, but she has found her rhythm at Flushing Meadows. Against Townsend, she finished the match by accelerating through the second set and sealing victory with a backhand winner.

The contest initially looked far more competitive than the rankings suggested. Sabalenka, the world number one, and Townsend, ranked 96th, traded two breaks apiece in the opening four games at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka broke again in the seventh game with a forehand winner, but Townsend immediately responded by breaking to love.

Sabalenka held firm at the crucial moment, saving a break point with an unreturnable serve before taking the opening set in the 10th game. Townsend then moved 3-1 ahead in the second set, but a double fault gave the break straight back to Sabalenka and decisively shifted the momentum. The Belarusian won the final four games to book her place in the last eight.

"What an incredible player she is approaching the net, what a great returner," Sabalenka said of Townsend. "Very brave, you can see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her, especially here." Sabalenka will next meet either Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova.

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What an incredible player she is approaching the net, what a great returner. Very brave, you can see how focused she was. It was really challenging playing her, especially here.