Top-Ranked Aryna Sabalenka Overcomes Early Struggles to Reach US Open Quarterfinals

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka overcame some early serving struggles to defeat Taylor Townsend on Sunday, securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the US Open in New York City, United States.

Taylor Townsend broke Aryna Sabalenka three times during the opening service games of the two-time defending champion, creating an early challenge. However, Aryna Sabalenka soon found her rhythm, regained her confidence, and closed out the match with a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

“Basically, I was just trying to stay focused on myself and play not only point by point but ball by ball,” Aryna Sabalenka stated after the match. “I’m happy that I was able to turn it around in that second set.”

This match marked the first career meeting between Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Townsend. Moving forward, Aryna Sabalenka will face either Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk in her next battle for a semifinal appearance.