Sabalenka through to US Open quarterfinals

Aryna Sabalenka overcame a difficult start against Taylor Townsend to reach the US Open quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in New York.

Townsend broke the world number one three times in Sabalenka’s first four service games, threatening an upset against the two-time defending champion. Sabalenka regained her confidence, found her rhythm and took control of the match.

It was the first meeting between the players. Townsend troubled Sabalenka in the opening set but struggled to maintain her own rhythm as the match progressed.

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Basically, I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball. I’m happy that I was able to turn it around in that second set.

“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.”

Sabalenka will next play either Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk for a place in the semifinals. She praised Townsend’s net play, returning and movement, calling the match a major challenge.

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I’m happy to be through this really tough opponent. 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.