Sabalenka powers back to US Open quarterfinals in search of first 2026 Grand Slam title

Aryna Sabalenka is still chasing a major title in 2026, and her next obstacle is Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. The defending US Open champion reached the quarterfinals by beating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3.

The match proved more competitive than the rankings suggested. Sabalenka, the world number one, had to work through Townsend's inventive left-handed game, but largely neutralized it with a clean display.

“It was really challenging, and going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges, it definitely gives you strength and really strong belief that you can do it,” Sabalenka said. “These kind of matches are really, really, really like a boost of confidence.”

Noskova, the sixth seed, produced a harder-fought win over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk. The Czech player prevailed 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 and collapsed onto the court in relief after sealing victory with an unreturnable serve on her sixth match point.

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It was really challenging, and going through tough challenges and overcoming those challenges, it definitely gives you strength and really strong belief that you can do it.

The run is Noskova's deepest at Flushing Meadows and follows her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. She also beat Kostyuk in their Wimbledon semifinal, making this her second consecutive major victory over the Ukrainian.

Noskova nearly finished the match in straight sets. She held two match points while serving at 5-4 in the second set, but Kostyuk won four straight games to force a decider. Noskova then missed three more match points while serving for the match at 5-4 in the third before closing out the contest after two hours and 27 minutes.

American third seed Jessica Pegula was scheduled to face Romania's Sorana Cirstea, whom she had beaten three times. Emma Navarro was set to play Anna Kalinskaya in the final night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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These kind of matches are really, really, really like a boost of confidence.