Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka beat Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 16 to move into the US Open quarterfinals without dropping a set in the tournament.
- Sabalenka is the world No. 1 and the two-time defending champion who is pursuing a third consecutive US Open title.
- Her strong form in New York contrasts with recent eighth-round losses in Toronto and Cincinnati, which had raised questions about her sharpness.
- Her next opponent will be either Marta Kostjuk or Linda Noskova, with Noskova entering the match as the recent Wimbledon champion.
- Sabalenka’s run extends a streak of at least semifinal appearances at the US Open over the past five years and keeps her positioned as a leading favorite as the draw narrows.