Aryna Sabalenka powers World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kept her hopes for a third straight US Open title firmly on track, overcoming a tricky match from American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday at Arthur
Ashe Stadium to reach the quarterfinals. The two-time defending champion extended her US Open winning streak to 17 matches in a match that featured 10 breaks of serve and early momentum swings. Townsend, who was the crowd favorite and a doubles specialist known for her net play and sharp returns, broke Sabalenka three times in the top seed’s first four service games. The American led 3-1 in the second set and looked capable of forcing a decider.
Sabalenka adjusted, varied her serve, and took control. She won the final five games and dropped just a handful of points down the stretch to pick up the win in 75 minutes. “I love matches like that, because 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 after the match. “So these kind of matches is really, really, really like a boost of confidence.”
‘What an Incredible Player’: Sabalenka Heaps Praise on Townsend After US Open Win
The match started with plenty of breaks as both players returned aggressively. Sabalenka was broken early and found her serve under pressure, with Townsend reading her patterns and blocking heavy deliveries effectively. The Belarusian broke four times in the first set and held serve to take it 6-4 after saving a break point while serving for the set. In the second set Townsend broke again to lead 3-1. Sabalenka responded immediately with a break to love, then tightened her focus. She reduced errors, imposed her power from the baseline, and denied Townsend any further rhythm. She overcame a shaky start and won the match in straight-sets to make a big statement as she looks to have a three-peat in the US Open.
Sabalenka admitted she had to make tactical changes mid-match. “She was returning really well. She saw where I’m going. She was blocking really well. I guess playing doubles and mixed doubles really helped her to react on heavy serve. That was a really challenging beginning, but then I had to adjust my serve, the speed, the spin, bring the variety into my service games just so I keep her guessing.”
She praised her opponent’s game: “What an incredible player she is. Approaching the net, what a great returner, moving well, very brave. It was really challenging playing her, especially here.” Sabalenka also thanked the New York crowd for its respect despite supporting the home player. She next faces sixth-seeded Linda Noskova.
