Sabalenka Beats Townsend, Reaches US Open Quarterfinals

Defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 to reach the U.S. Open quarterfinals and keep her bid for a third consecutive title alive. Townsend took a 3-1 lead in the second set, but Sabalenka recovered by repeatedly breaking serve and winning the final four games. Sabalenka will face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who defeated Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. Sabalenka has won 16 consecutive matches at Flushing Meadows and is defending her top ranking, with Elena Rybakina among those who could overtake her. Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka briefly halted her straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova after complaining about a strong marijuana smell in the stadium.