Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka navigated a challenging start to defeat American Taylor Townsend on Sunday, advancing to the quarterfinals of the US Open in New York City. Although Townsend managed to break the two-time defending champion three times during her opening four service games, Sabalenka eventually found her rhythm and regained her composure to close out the match with a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Reflecting on the intensity of the contest, Sabalenka noted that she focused on maintaining her concentration throughout the match. “Basically, I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball,” she said, adding that she was pleased with her ability to shift the momentum during the second set. The match marked the first career meeting between the two players, with Sabalenka praising Townsend’s net play, movement, and brave approach to the game.
“I’m happy to be through this really tough opponent,” Sabalenka remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of facing such a focused competitor. With this win secured, the top seed now prepares for her next challenge, where she will face either Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk for a place in the tournament semifinals.
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